Overdose Support Site Discussed

Vernon could see a site offering enhanced overdose prevention services, such as immediate access to treatment.

Interior Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Trevor Corneil says it could be available in the next 6 to 12 weeks.

“There is no specifics at this point because we are only looking at feasibility, and whether we think that intervention would be helpful,” Corneil tells Kiss FM.

Corneil says the site could also provide support for drug overdose victims.

Corneil says there are no plans for supervised consumption sites in any of the smaller cities like Vernon.

There were 156 overdose deaths in I-H last year, including 13 in Vernon.

“The largest majority are in Kelowna and Kamloops, but what we are finding is we’re seeing overdose deaths occur more frequently in Vernon, Penticton, Nelson and others.”

Photo: Dr. Trevor Corneil, Interior Health Chief Medical Health Officer