Photo: Contributed

It's just a matter of time before an overdose prevention site is set up in Vernon and that has raised some concerns among elected officials.

Karin Goodison and Rae Samson, from Interior Health, were in council chambers Monday to talk to civic leaders about the future site which has been mandated by the province in response to the overdose crisis that has claimed thousands of lives in the past few years.

Coun. Scott Anderson was the most vocal in his concerns which involved the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and the effectiveness of such sites.

Anderson said he is “hearing lots of vagueness” about the impact it would have on an area, but Goodison said because a site in Vernon has not been selected, it is hard to say what the impact would be.

Anderson said having such a site in East Hastings makes sense due to the high number of users in the area, but he expressed concern having such a site in Vernon would attract more drug users.

“I have a deep concern it will attract users from elsewhere and they stay on the streets,” said Anderson, adding he has spoken to a local doctor and first responders who do not think the site is a good idea.

Goodison suggested Anderson contact communities of similar size to see the impact it had on neighbourhoods where similar sites were set up.

Goodison explained the sites have been ordered by the province and will happen no matter what.

“This service will be happening but you will have a voice,” she said, adding decisions are made on what is best for the entire community.

Coun. Brian Quiring said the site will attract a lot of people, so it should be set up in an area where it would have the smallest impact on the neighbourhood.

He also wondered about input from adjacent properties, with Goodison responding that all input will be taken into consideration.

Quiring said council represents the residents of the city, but in the end, the city has no say in when and where a site is set up.

He suggested the city be presented with a choice of places so they can select the best one based on the community.

“The ministry is forcing us not to have a say in it. We have no input where it goes at all,” said Quiring,

Drug testing will also be offered so people will know what is in their drugs and if they are safe.

Coun. Kari Gares also expressed concerns about the site and the impact, such as crime, it would have on an area.

Interior Health will be undertaking a competitive procurement process seeking proposals to deliver overdose prevention services in Vernon, including a fixed overdose prevention site. 

The service is expected to begin in summer 2019, however the actual implementation date and location for the services will be determined through the procurement process.

While Interior Health will provide funding and oversight, the overdose prevention site will be operated by a community partner.

Establishing an overdose prevention site in Vernon is an important addition to the continuum of health-care services for people with opioid use disorders. Other components include Opioid Agonist Treatments (such as methadone and Suboxone), intensive day and residential treatment programs, distribution of harm reduction supplies including Naloxone, and supportive recovery services.