In response to the high rates of toxic drug poisoning, compounded by the closure of the Two Doors Down overdose prevention site on Third Avenue two days ago, Northern Health is increasing the hours of operation and its downtown Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic to improve the accessibility of services.
After piloting expanded hours for two weeks to ensure sufficient staffing levels can be maintained, the HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (needle exchange) will now be open Monday-Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. and from 1:15-6:30 p.m.
The clinic will also have nursing services available by appointment in the mornings from 9-11:30, with open hours available in the afternoon from 1:15-6:30.
The needle exchange is located at 277 George St.
Northern Health will also operate its Mobile Harm Reduction Supplies wellness truck from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
The Two Doors Down POUNDS Project supervised consumption site and drop-in centre closed temporarily on Monday due to a lack of funding to pay staff.
As of the end of May, 74 toxic drug deaths had occurred in northern B.C., 31 of which were in Prince George. The city had three of the seven overdose deaths last month in the Northern Health region.
Northern Health ranked as the second-worst of the five health regions, with 58 death per 100,000 people. Only Vancouver Coastal (59 death per 100,000) was worse.
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