The City of Vancouver is out with 23 recommendations to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.
It’s part of Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart’s campaign promise to establish an emergency task force for the city.
On average, Vancouver experiences a death a day from the overdose crisis, according to Vancouver Fire Chief Darrell Reid.
READ MORE: Vancouver Island University launches new program to help children affected by opioid crisis
Stewart highlighted three key strategies for the task force, including support for Indigenous communities, women and children to access treatments to stop the overdose cycle, better access to safe drug supply in the Downtown Eastside and a safe supply project through the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
“This project has been approved. It’s a scientific research progeny,” Stewart said. “What we are doing is identifying sites to get the project moving.”
Get weekly health news
WATCH: Six mothers who lost their children to fentanyl and carfentanil talk about what needs to change
- Toronto hospital to greatly expand permanent housing program that reduces ER visits
- Calgary cyclotron to make radiopharmaceuticals for fighting cancer expected by 2029
- Severely disabled 18-year-old denied AISH benefits — until media made aware
- Edmonton plane pull supports Hope Air flights taking Canadians to medical appointments
The project will cost the city $500,000 and it is calling on the province for $2.7 million in funding.
The report goes to council on Thursday.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.