Benzo OD’s - Please be mindful that there are a high number of overdoses occurring at the moment which are linked to Benzo’s. OD’s with these symptoms are happening frequently. You can use Benzo strips but also be aware that these strips cannot detect Etizolam which is another substance being found and remind everyone to use in a safe space such as an OPS/SCS. There is a guide which VCH recommend all OPS/SCS, Housing sites and anyone working in a harm reduction setting as a service provider to those providing care for opioid overdose management can access, to help manage overdoses from suspected Benzo's or similar substances. Please access this document on the online drug checking pages or CoP blog.
Benzo strips/training/support - If you would like Benzo strips for your site or support for your organization then please reach out to overdoseresponse@vch.ca and we can arrange for a nurse educator to come to your site or we can deliver Benzo strips to you.