SAFER Knowledge Translation & Exchange (KTE) Program Resources: This program supported prescribed alternatives (PA) providers through hands-on capacity building. AVI’s Prescribed Alternatives and KTE staff have contributed to the following publications:
The Victoria SAFER initiative: A community-based prescribed safer supply program using fentanyl formulations in Victoria, BC (2026) – Published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence journal, this paper documents the successes of the Victoria SAFER initiative.
“Embedding Lived Experience, Safety and Support Into Workplace Policy.” (2026) – This report documents the collaborative process used to develop a practical workflow tool to support the implementation of a ‘ready to work” (R2W) policy at AVI. It may be of interest to individuals and organizations in the social services sector seeking to create safer and inclusive workspaces.
“Co/Lab Practice Brief: Implementing the Victoria SAFER Initiative.” (2021) – A Practice Brief documenting the implementation of the Victoria SAFER Initiative, with research partners from the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and SOLID Outreach Society.
“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.
“It helps me do things that are meaningful to me… like my work’ – Prescribed Alternatives for Harm Reduction Workers” (2025) – This 3-page summary highlights early outcomes from AVI’s ‘Workforce PA’ cohort.
For publications, such as our Strategic Plan and Annual Reports, visit our Publications page.