The Squamish Overdose Prevention Site is now open. Hours: 4-10 pm, everyday The OPS is located in the old Squamish Helping Hands shelter at 37930 Third Ave. (The old Firehall)
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Squamish Helping Hands, in partnership with the Sea to Sky Community Action Team (CAT), have opened an overdose prevention site (OPS) in Squamish in response to the increasing number of overdoses in this community. A safe, warm, supervised space to use substances.
Key Services:
monitored substance use by trained staff and peers
drug checking
harm reduction supplies
education on safer consumption
referrals to treatment and services
social support and connection
peer training
The Overdose Prevention Site embraces a harm reduction approach that aims to reduce the harms associated with substance use such as HIV, Hepatitis C, infections, injuries, and overdose. It also aims to reduce health care, social, legal, and incarceration costs associated with drug use.
Goals:
Reduce overdose fatalities
Improve the overall health of people who use drugs by
trained intervention in the event of an overdose
providing a safe space without stigma to prevent people from using alone
providing clean consumption supplies
appropriate disposal of consumption supplies
checking drugs for toxins
helping people to access health care, services and supports such as opioid agonist therapy
providing training, purpose and connection for people with lived experience
Improve community outcomes by reducing public consumption, reducing crime, discarded needles etc.
PEER ENGAGEMENT
The Squamish Overdose Prevention Site also uses a peer engagement model. People with lived experience of substance use receive training on overdose prevention and response and will work shifts monitoring their peers at the site, alongside trained staff.
Dedication The Squamish Overdose Prevention Site is dedicated to Sarah Jane Thompson, a dear friend and fierce advocate who imagined a world full of hope and free from stigma. Thank you for all your hard work, Sarah. Your legacy lives on.
