Vancouver Island physicians and advocates attempted to set up an unsanctioned “pop-up” overdose prevention site at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital but were met by hospital staff, security and the RCMP.
An overdose prevention site is a location where people can use substances under the supervision of trained staff that can monitor for drug poisoning and respond to an overdose if needed.
After being told they could not set up the OPS at the hospital, the group moved it across the street. Dr. Jessica Wilder, family and addiction medicine physician, and group organizer spoke to CHLY about the pop-up OPS.
Wilder is part of Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, an organization that works with people who use substances and advocates for inclusive and evidence-based care for all. She said the pop-up OPS was intended to bring attention to the current toxic drug crisis and the need for better support for people.
Photos from pop-up OPS on November 18. Credit: Lauryn Mackenzie / CHLY 101.7fm
