Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
PROFAN, a peer-led overdose prevention initiative, was successfully implemented in Montreal, Quebec, for people who use drugs (PWUD), or those likely to witness overdoses. The worsening of the situation during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked the need to expand the program across the province.
Findings/Key points
Four main facilitators were reported: 1) presence of an active peer network involved with harm reduction in the region, 2) collaboration among community and public health sectors, 3) stakeholders’ awareness of opioid situation, and 4) perceived appropriateness of training. Six main barriers also emerged: 1) geographical isolation, 2) existing offer of similar services, 3) difficulty reaching isolated PWUD, 4) stigmatization of PWUD, 5) unwillingness of stakeholders to address situation, and 6) lack of funding stability.
Design/methods
Individual interviews were conducted with 17 key informants from 12 health regions
