Thoughts on BC Politics and More

For Trevor Botkin, Sunday's International Overdose Awareness Day is a chance to reflect on his journey with addiction. The manager of industry relations for the Construction Foundation of British Columbia said his experience with addiction was worsened by the stigma associated with asking for help, especially in a male-dominated industry. Now in recovery, Botkin ­advocates for widespread job-site access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, along with a shift in culture at trades workplaces ... CLICK HERE for the full story  

BC is setting things in motion to build more overdose prevention sites at hospitals, adding to the nine sites that are already open at hospitals like Surrey Memorial and St. Paul’s, according to the Health Ministry. Overdose prevention sites allow patients to legally use unregulated drugs while supervised by health-care professionals who can step in if there’s a medical emergency such as an overdose. These sites help build trust and relationships, which can be used to connect people with other services, like housing and treatment, the ministry said last Thursday. The announcement says the province has “given direction” to the health authorities on the “consultation and approval requirements for creating new overdose prevention services at hospital sites" ... CLICK HERE for the full story