Access to Prescribed Safer Supply in British Columbia: Policy Direction

This policy is a step in that direction. It is an enabling document that supports the provision of pharmaceutical grade alternatives to illicit drugs to people who are at risk of drug toxicity events and death. The goals of this policy are to reduce drug-related harms, including toxicity injuries and deaths, enhance connections to health and social supports, and improve overall health and wellness for people receiving these medications. This policy directive is a shared responsibility of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and the Ministry of Health. It is part of a commitment by government to establish prescribed alternatives to toxic drugs as one tool in a comprehensive package of essential health sector interventions that guide the response to the overdose public health emergency. This package includes take-home naloxone, overdose prevention services, acute overdose risk case management, and treatment and recovery, including low barrier access to the full spectrum of treatment services such as opioid agonist treatment (OAT).