Harm Reduction - Drugs
The City of Vancouver has one of the worst drug use problems in all of Canada and indeed the world. Only a short while ago, the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver was the centre of the the western world's most devastating HIV epedemic.
It is estimated that of those that inject drugs in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver over 35% have HIV and 90% have Hep C.
Today HIV and Hepatitus C remain significant factors in the health of those living in the community.
To address the problems of drug abuse, high overdose death rates, climbing HIV and Hep C infections and crime the City implemented North America's most daring and innovative drug strategy.
Years of police enforcement, of high death rates, poverty and crime lead the city to take action.
The result of if this is the Four Pillar Strategy.
The strategy focuses on four pillars. The links below take you to fact sheets on each pillar
I am also including a link to the factsheet on Supervised Injection Sites.
Do you have concerns with drug use in your community?
Crystal Meth is a very popular drug in Victoria - have you heard of this drug? Know anyone using it?
Many local health-care providers and educators met recently to discuss and learn of the effects Crystal Meth has on those that use this drug. The drug can be used in a number of ways, is easily manufactured, is cheap so affordable.
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