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Kelowna  

OD prevention site scuttled

One of two planned overdose prevention sites in Kelowna has been scrapped.

Earlier this week, Interior Health announced it had partnered with the Living Positive Resource Centre to operate two sites in the city, one at the resource centre on Asher Road in Rutland, the other in the former Kelowna Health Unit building downtown on Ellis Street.

Now, Interior Health has announced the site in Rutland will not be opening.

In a news release issued late Friday afternoon, IH said after working through the process, it became apparent they would not be able to offer the service at that location.

Interior Health said it is looking at other options for an overdose prevention site in Rutland.

The downtown site opened at noon Friday.

It will begin regular operating hours next week, Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 7:30 p.m.

The site is different than a supervised consumption site in that it will not be supervised.

The area will be staffed, but staff will not be watching anybody.

However, staff will be there to assist with Naloxone and breathing assistance if it is needed.



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