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.
