New Plan To Combat Overdoses

The BC government is launching a new Overdose Emergency Response Centre to combat the rising death toll.

More than 1,100 people have died from drug overdoses to the end of September in BC, including 17 in Vernon and 63 in Kelowna.

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy says the crisis continues to kill an average of four people a day in BC.

She says the emergency response centre will be able to respond quickly.

“Our government has committed 322 million dollars over three years to escalate our response to  the overdose crisis, and this centre wil make sure those considerable resources are targeted for the front lines where they are needed the most.”

Darcy says the centre — which will be located at Vancouver General Hospital — will work with regional and local teams to direct resources where they will make the most difference to save lives.

“These teams will work together to identify and support people at risk for overdose, so if someone comes to a hospital after an overdose, they will be able to follow up and fast track that person, who’s life has been saved, into treatment,” adds Darcy.

Pictured: Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions