An expansion of supervised-injection services and safe rooms for crack users are two ideas Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) says it is exploring in a policy paper released yesterday (February 24).
The document lays out strategies and specific recommendations for a “second generation” of health-care designed for the Downtown Eastside (where VCH spends roughly $55 million a year). It is the result of more than two years of consultation with service providers, clients, and partners in the community.
It acknowledges that VCH has largely failed to keep pace with changing needs, and promises the health authority will adapt and improve. Coming changes are “not about cost cutting”, it’s emphasized there.
In addition to an expansion of harm-reduction services, the paper repeatedly discusses plans for an increased emphasis on peer-based support. That would see people with a psychological condition more involved in the delivery of mental-health services, for example, and residents with addiction issues participating in the delivery of drug treatment programs.
In an effort to lower barriers to access, there’s also a recommendation that drop-in centres be better connected to care.
“In the DTES, drop-ins offer an important connection to health care for marginalized people by building relationships with staff and awareness in a welcoming, low-barrier environment,” it states. “VCH will explore ways to integrate drop-in centres as an effective gateway to more intensive supports.”
The paper also says VCH will work to develop a “full-time integrated women’s health clinic” and also establish “smaller, mobile clinics designed to meet women where they congregate”.
On harm reduction, the VCH notes federal regulations continue to delay an expansion of services. However, it makes clear VCH is still actively exploring options.