Cowichan Overdose Prevention Site

Provides a place where people who use opioids can be safely monitored and treated immediately if they overdose. Site serves up to 14 people with injection booths (individual and communal) and up to six people with inhalation set-up; staffed by nurses and harm reduction workers. Clinic also provides harm reduction supplies, along with harm reduction education and referrals to health services, addictions services, and other social supports. Needle exchange services include distribution of clean needles, sterile water, and alcohol wipes; disposal of used needles; and health information to encourage safer injection practices. Provides safer sex supplies, including condoms. Provides safer drug use supplies such as crack pipe mouthpiece and screens, and injection supplies. Provides opioid users with free Take Home Naloxone Kits (Narcan) that can be used to reverse the effects of overdoses from opioids like fentanyl, heroin, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone. Hours are 1 pm to 7 pm seven days a week. Program offered in partnership with Island Health. Funded in part by Health Canada.