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Island Health grants contracts for Victoria’s first supervised consumption service

SOLID and Lookout Housing and Health societies to provide harm reduction services
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VIHA has granted contracts to two community-based organizations for the Island’s first approved supervised consumption service slated to open at 914 Pandora Ave. in late April. Kristyn Anthony/VICTORIA NEWS

The Vancouver Island Health Authority has chosen two community-based service providers to lead harm reduction services at the Pandora Wellness Centre, the Island’s first approved supervised consumption site.

In December, the regional health provider issued requests for proposals to staff the centre at 941 Pandora Ave. At the time, Dr. Richard Stanwick, VIHA chief medical officer, said those with lived experience and familiarity working in harm reduction would be ideal candidates.

SOLID Outreach Society and the Lookout Housing and Health Society have secured the contracts and will soon begin to hire and train staff, who will work alongside clinical and health care professionals including nurses and paramedics.

RELATED: Island Health sends out call to staff supervised consumption service in Victoria

Since 2003, SOLID – a peer-run organization of people who use drugs – has worked to distribute safe drug supplies, recover used supplies and conduct naloxone training. It is also involved in a protest that sprang up Monday on the front lawn of Nanaimo City Hall advocating for more services for the homeless and addicted.

Founded in 1971, Lookout Housing and Health Society provides low barrier housing and support services through community outreach on the Lower Mainland. Along with programming designed to develop work skills, the society developed and currently operates supervised consumption services in Surrey and on the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver.

Renovations at the Pandora Wellness Centre continue on time and on budget, scheduled for completion in late April. Following a final inspection from Health Canada, the 10-booth permanent supervised consumption service will open shortly thereafter.

kristyn.anthony@vicnews.com