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Stigma shames people into using drugs while alone, which can be fatal. Vancouver Coastal Health is partnering with organizations to provide take-home & onsite fentanyl test strips (Foundry Richmond & Anne Vogel Clinic).
In addition, VCH is providing these services in our city, benefitting all of our communities here in Richmond:
· Opioid agonist therapy, including prescribing of methadone and suboxone (available at Anne Vogel Clinic at 7671 Alderbridge Way) and Acute Home Based Treatment (mobile services)
· Take home Naloxone kits and training on their use;
· Needle exchange and safer-use supplies for all substances;
· Harm reduction education;
· Referrals to supportive community services;
· Clinical counselling and physician assessment In periodic meetings with Vancouver Coastal Health, Kelly and other stakeholders learn about updates on Foundry Richmond’s and Anne Vogel Clinic’s distribution and education about test kits. In the past, Kelly and our office have invited VCH to bring harm reduction and drug-user supportive resources to the Richmond’s Pride Walk. We look forward to seeing VCH in our communities, actively listening to constituents, municipal staff, service providers, etc., and providing the quality, accessible and community-appropriate care Richmond needs.
For more resources, I highly recommend https://towardtheheart.com/
Toward the Heart is a project of the provincial Harm Reduction Program. Harm reduction is a public health approach to substance use (including alcohol, cannabis, and other substances) and drug policy. The aim of harm reduction is to support the health and wellbeing of people who use substances. Harm reduction aims to meet people “where they are at”, whether that is active substance use or abstinence.
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