On April 14, 2016, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall declared a Public Health Emergency under the Public Health Act due to the unprecedented rise in deaths due to opioid overdoses in British Columbia. While significant improvements in care have been made since this declaration, the number of people dying in BC has continued to rise.
Improving access to appropriate and effective treatments and supports is critical to preventing toxic drug poisonings before they happen. Through the LOUD collaboratives, capability development within Community Action Teams, and substance use journey mapping sessions, we are supporting improvements in care for people who use opioids.