AVI’s prescribed alternatives programs provide prescribed pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply to prevent and reduce the incidence of ‘overdose’/drug poisoning.
AVI uses a flexible, community-based model of prescribed alternatives that is grounded in harm reduction policy and practice and utilizes a social justice lens.
The prescribed alternatives programs are run by a multidisciplinary staff team (support workers, systems navigators, nurses, physicians) and provide support and referrals to other community services.
The program offers prescribed alternatives to the unregulated drug supply (opioids, stimulants) in a variety of formats (tablets, patches, liquid).
Victoria
In Victoria, AVI offers the SAFER program. Participants can access the following services through our multidisciplinary staff team:
- Clinic providing pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply
- Connect with support workers for peer support
- See a physician for follow-ups related to their medications or other healthcare needs
- Assistance with referrals to other health or social supports (e.g., supported housing, income assistance, cultural supports, legal supports, detox and treatment) with a systems navigator
- Access accompaniment to medical, legal, and housing appointments
Nanaimo
In Nanaimo, AVI offers an Enhanced Harm Reduction (EHR) program. Participants can access the following services through our multidisciplinary staff team:
- Clinic providing pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply
- Connect with support workers for peer support
- See a physician for follow-ups related to their medications or other healthcare needs
- Assistance with referrals to other health or social supports (e.g., supported housing, income assistance, cultural supports, legal supports, detox and treatment) with a systems navigator
- Access accompaniment to medical, legal, and housing appointments
Courtenay/Comox Valley
In Courtenay/Comox Valley, AVI offers a Regulated Access to Drugs (RAD) program. Participants can access the following services through our multidisciplinary staff team:
- Clinic providing pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply
- Connect with support workers for peer support
- See a physician for follow-ups related to their safe supply medications or other healthcare needs
- Assistance with referrals to other health or social supports (e.g., supported housing, income assistance, cultural supports, legal supports, detox and treatment) with a systems navigator
- Access accompaniment to medical, legal, and housing appointments
Campbell River
In Campbell River, AVI offers a Regulated Access to Drugs (RAD) program. Participants can access the following services through our multidisciplinary staff team:
- Clinic providing pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply
- Connect with support workers for peer support
- See a physician for follow-ups related to their medications or other healthcare needs
- Assistance with referrals to other health or social supports (e.g., supported housing, income assistance, cultural supports, legal supports, detox and treatment) with a systems navigator
- Access accompaniment to medical, legal, and housing appointments
