VICTORIA – Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the
following statement regarding the BC provincial health officer report on follow-up recommendations to government in response to the toxic drug crisis: “The toxic drug crisis is hurting communities and families across Canada and B.C. is no exception. We’re taking action to save lives and connect people to care by expanding the programs we know are working. Dr. Henry is an important independent voice on public health issues in this province, and we respect her advice. However, this is a topic we do not agree on. The Province will not go in the direction of compassion clubs and other non-medical models of distributing medications.Addiction is a health issue and people struggling with addiction need access to the full continuum of services provided by our health care system. Prescribed alternatives to street drugs are an option to separate people who are at the highest risk of death and harm from the poisoned drug supply. This program builds a relationship between the patient and the prescriber, which makes it easier for people to get connected to additional supports and get into treatment and recovery. We are determined to save lives and get people connected to the health care they need. Our focus is on expanding access to treatment and mental health and addictions care across BC, and on cracking down on predatory drug dealers who are trafficking and dealing these toxic drugs.” Learn More:To learn more about updated actions on the drug-poisoning response, visit:https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/escalated-drug-poisoning-response-actions-1 For a list of mental-health and addictions resources and services, visit:https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/
