A new guide by the Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC) and Island Health aims to give public health agencies and community organizations the tools they need to develop a community overdose response plan.

A Public Health Guide to Developing a Community Overdose Response Plan is a 16-page guide containing four key elements required to create an overdose response plan, as well as tips for developing and implementing the plan.

“To prevent overdoses, a range of strategies are needed to reach everyone regardless of their social or economic circumstances,” the guide reads.

“While substance use of all types is a common feature of society, illicit substance use is often stigmatized and as a result hidden. Programs, policies and services must be developed and offered without judgement of the specific type of use.”