'It's too much, I'm getting really tired of it': Overdose response and structural vulnerabilities among harm reduction workers in community settings

Original research
by
Kolla, Gillian & Carol Strike

Release Date

2019

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This study examines structural vulnerabilities that constrain PWUD as they attempt to implement overdose education and naloxone distribution program advice.

Findings/Key points

OEND advice includes not injecting alone, carrying naloxone, and calling 911 if overdose occurs. The ability of Satellite Site workers to respond according to public health guidelines is complicated by contextual and structural factors, including a lack of supervised injection services, vulnerability to eviction, and continued criminalization of drug use. Participants described how responding to increasing numbers of overdoses was stressful, with stress compounded by their close relationships with those who were overdosing. These factors were impacting the willingness of Satellite Site workers to continue to supervise drug use.

Design/methods

Ethnographic study based on satellite sites

Keywords

Overdose
Harm reduction
Policy/Regulatory
Safer supply
Decriminalization/legalization
Advocacy
About PWUD
Barriers and enablers
Illegal drugs
Peer/PWLLE program involvement
Sex/Gender
SCS/OPS