Island Health and AVI joint statement on overdose prevention services in Comox Valley

Island Health and AVI joint statement on overdose prevention services in Comox Valley

COMOX VALLEY — Island Heath and AVI Health and Community Services (AVI) would like to inform service users and other Comox Valley community members that the overdose prevention service will continue to operate at its current location until June 15, 2020. During this time, Island Health will develop a new model of overdose safety services in the Comox Valley that provides individuals with a safe location where they can use substances going forward. This will be done in collaboration with stakeholders, which include community organizations and people with lived experience. The new model will also broaden the service to encourage more people to access overdose prevention services and other supports.

The AVI overdose prevention service will continue to be open at 355 6th Street in Courtenay from:

• Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Friday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This location and hours will remain in effect until June 15, when a new service model will be in place.

Input from stakeholders, including AVI and people who use substances, will inform the new service model. The aim is to develop a new service that better meets the needs of people who use substances in the Comox Valley and better reaches those who do not access the overdose prevention service and who remain at high risk of overdose.