Correspondence from Mayor Helps re: Observed Inhalation Sites for Overdose Prevention

March 13, 2019

Dear Premier Horgan,

I am writing on behalf of Victoria City Council to request favourable consideration and resolutions of support for observed inhalation sites for overdose prevention.

At the February 7, 2019 Council Meeting, Council approved the following resolution:

Resolution: Observed Inhalation Sites for Overdose Prevention

WHEREAS British Columbia is currently experiencing an unprecedented public health emergency due to an unpredictable and highly-toxic drug supply;

WHEREAS smoking or inhalation is the second most common mode of consumption among all people who have died from a suspected illicit drug overdose and the most common mode of consumption among men and those between the ages of 15 and 29;

WHEREAS observed consumption services (i.e. supervised consumption services and overdose prevention services) are evidence-based harm reduction approach shown to reduce overdose-related harm;

WHEREAS there is not adequate access to observed consumption services that provide space for inhalation where communities are facing crisis;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT to ensure that people at risk of overdose across B.C. have access to observed consumption services that provide space for inhalation, that the Province of British Columbia work through local communities, Health Authorities across the Province, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and the Ministry of Health to fund and provide these services as part of a holistic response to the public-health emergency, including prevention, treatment, and recovery.

We look forward to your support on this matter.

Sincerely,

Lisa Helps Victoria Mayor

cc.

• Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
• Honourable Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
• Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) Annual Convention
• The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Annual Convention
• British Columbia Municipalities and Regional Districts