Safer drug services planned in Richmond

Vancouver Coastal Health is working on offering more safe drug consumption services in Richmond

Details are still be worked out, but Richmond medical health officer Meena Dawar told the News, an “episodic overdose prevention service” is in the works

As for having a standalone safe-injection site in Richmond, there isn’t the density to justify it, Dawar said, adding it should be within walking distance of an identified group of drug users

“In Richmond, there’s not a neighbourhood or area where we could provide such service,” Dawar said When the new service is set up, VCH will reach out to people who use drugs to let them know it’s available Paramedics responded to 356 overdoses or toxic drug poisonings in Richmond in 2022 Meanwhile, 28 people died of drug toxicity

“Clearly, we need to replace toxic drugs with safe drugs,” Dawar said, adding “ so when (drug users are) ready, we can help them ”

Recovery is a journey, she added, noting “It’s okay if you ’ re using, just use safely The message is please don’t use alone ”

Maria Rantanen/ Richmond News