AVI’s safe supply 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 safe supply that is grounded in harm reduction policy and practice and utilizes a social justice lens.
The safe supply 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 safe 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 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
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 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
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 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
