A Low-Barrier and Comprehensive Community-Based Harm-Reduction Site in Vancouver, Canada

Am J Public Health. 2020 Jun;110(6):833-835. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2020.305612. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Abstract

"The Molson" is a low-barrier, peer-staffed, supervised consumption site located in Vancouver, Canada. In addition to overdose response, this site offers drug checking and a colocated injectable hydromorphone treatment program, and it distributes tablet and liquid hydromorphone to service users at high risk of overdose. Our evaluation suggests benefits of this program in creating service continuums and preventing overdose deaths. From September 2017 to August 2019, the site had 128 944 visits, reversed 770 overdoses, and had no overdose deaths.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • British Columbia
  • Community Health Centers*
  • Drug Overdose* / drug therapy
  • Drug Overdose* / epidemiology
  • Drug Overdose* / prevention & control
  • Harm Reduction
  • Humans
  • Hydromorphone / administration & dosage
  • Hydromorphone / therapeutic use
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Public Health

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Hydromorphone