More details revealed on the Overdose Pr

More details revealed about the overdose prevention site

Mar 28, 2019 | 6:26 PM

More details have been revealed about the controversial overdose prevention site that is expected to set up shop in Vernon this summer.

Interior Health has issued their request for proposal online for those interested in applying for the contract.

According to the 34- page document, the overdose prevention site will operate for five days a week and for up to 20 hours a week .

The health authority says the location must be in a fixed area of the city , and the contract for the service will be “not less than two years and not more than three years.”

They also say that the contract may be renewed or re-awarded if the provider remains in good standing with the health authority.

Development

Parking variances granted for new seniors housing

21h ago

Community Sport Hero Awards

Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event

22h ago

Air Conditioners for Seniors

Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat

Jul 24, 2026

Services at the Overdose Prevention Site

Interior Health says services at the site will include the following:

Overdose prevention education
The distribution of harm reduction supplies, including options for safer disposal
Monitoring of clients who have consumed substances on-site
Developing policies and procedures related to overdose response and register for the facility Overdose Response Box Program
Distributing Naloxone
Providing drug checking services like fentanyl test strips
Take Home Naloxone training and distribution for people who are likely to experience or witness an overdose
Recovering discarded supplies in the community
Referring and supporting clients to enter treatment including Opiod Agonist Therapy
Engaging clients to seek medical and social services like referrals to housing
Data Collection

All staff providing the services must be trained in First aid and CPR , Non- Violent Crisis Intervention, and Naloxone training.

Applicants also must submit an operating budget and staffing schedules .

Evaluation

Interior Health says those vying for the contract will be evaluated on the following :

History/ Experience – Number of years in business , history providing similar services
References – 3 letters are required
Mission, Vision , Values – The extent the applicant’s vision matches the health authority’s vision
Staffing – proper training requirements are met
Reporting – demonstrates the ability to maintain provincial/ authority reporting requirments
Location- address with diagrams of the site and an explanation of how it supports the population and what kind of consultation was done in selecting the location
Linkage to existing services – The extent the service connects with other services in the community
Overdose Prevention Services – A description of how the services will be delivered, the operating hours and how the hours will support the population. A sample work schedule for one week and a supervision plan for Overdose Prevention workers is also required
Peer Coordination and Engagement – A description of how the peer coordinator will engage with community tables and committees. A minimum of two peer training sessions are required each year and a minimum average of 40 hours of peer engagement will be required each month.

Those who apply are reviewed by an evaluation committee and applicants must score above a 70 % in their application to have it further reviewed by Interior Health.

According to the application, Interior Health has the right to reject any application recommended by the evaluation committee.

Interior Health can also award the contract to two or more applicants “if it is found to be in the best interest of the Clients and the Authority to do so.”

Applicants have until May 8, 2019 to submit their proposal.

Interior Health says they hope to award the contract by June or July 2019.

A meeting for proponents in expected to take place April 9, at 11:30 a.m.