SAFER Knowledge Translation & Exchange (KTE)

The SAFER Knowledge Translation & Exchange (KTE) Initiative supports current and prospective prescribed safe supply (PSS) providers through hands-on capacity building.

The SAFER KTE team is comprised of five consultants, all with extensive experience in safe supply service provision. We consult with prescribers, current or prospective PSS service providers, and participants. We offer a tailored suite of clinical and psycho-social training methods and helpful resources. KTE supports both urban and rural PSS sites to navigate various logistical barriers and unique community contexts. We offer consultation to both teams and individuals working in PSS or affiliated sites.

For more information, please contact us at safer.kte@avi.org

AVI’s Prescribed Alternatives and KTE staff have contributed to the following publications:

“Co/Lab Practice Brief: Implementing the Victoria SAFER Initiative.” (2021) – A Practice Brief documenting the implementation of the Victoria SAFER Initiative, which research partners from the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and SOLID Outreach Society.

“SAFER’s Top Ten” (2021) – Compiled by SAFER’s staff, this list includes the top 10 key learnings from early implementation of AVI’s first prescribed alternatives (safer supply) programs.

“A concept mapping study of service user design of safer supply as an alternative to the illicit drug market.” (2022) – Published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, the results of this study “…provide insights into key components of effective safer supply to inform planning and evaluation of future safer supply programs informed by drug user perspectives.”

“Victoria SAFER Initiative“ (2023) – Included in CATIE’s Programming Connection toolkit, this case study highlights the work of SAFER as of January 2023. 

“Prescribed safer supply during public health emergencies: a qualitative study examining service providers perspectives on early implementation.” (2024) – Published in Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention and Policy, the results of this study “…contribute important insights for the development of prescribed safer supply programs.”

“If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would be here”: experiences of the first year of a safer supply program during the dual public health emergencies of COVID-19 and the drug toxicity crisis.” (2024) – Published in Harm Reduction Journal, this study explored participant perspectives to “…examine whether the program met drug-user defined elements of an effective safer supply model.”

“Practice Brief: Expanding prescribed alternatives on Vancouver Island.” (2025) – Published by AVI, this practice brief highlights the early implementation of AVIʼs prescribed alternatives programs in Nanaimo, Comox Valley and Campbell River, including perspectives from program staff on program facilitators and barriers, and areas of future growth.