Harm Reduction for Substance Use

Harm reduction services help people who use unregulated substances lower their risk of harm, injury and death. Combined with prevention, treatment and recovery, harm reduction is part of a comprehensive public health approach to substance use.

Improve safety when using unregulated substances

Find support for substance use


Possession and use of illicit substances is prohibited in all hospitals. The Ministry of Health shared new guidance for all health authorities​. Island Health policies and practice tools are being updated to align with provincial guidelines. 

Decriminalization of small amounts of certain illicit substances for personal use still applies in private homes, shelters, outpatient addiction clinics, overdose prevention sites and drug-checking service locations.

*Overdose Prevention Services are allowed under special Ministerial Order (Ministerial Order M488) under the Emergency Services Act. Supervised Consumption Services are approved by Health Canada for exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

General Information on Harm Reduction for Substance Use

Referral Required?
Not required

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News & Events

Dr. Hendri Eksteen

Virtual psychiatry service brings timely mental health care to rural communities

Island Health now offers Virtual On-Demand Urgent Psychiatry, giving adults in five rural hospitals evening and weekend access to psychiatric care via secure virtual consultations.

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Fateh Care Charity and Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees win 2025 mental health and substance use awards

Fateh Care Charity and Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees win 2025 mental health and substance use awards

Island Health is recognizing the founder of a charity and a local counselling group for their exceptional efforts to help people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

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image of Beth Haywood, peer coordinator

Connection is cornerstone for peer coordinator Beth in her substance use recovery journey

For Beth Haywood, connection was more than support—it was survival. Now six years sober and a peer coordinator with Island Health, she credits the life-changing relationships she made along the way as the cornerstone of  her recovery. 

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