Nurses Lead Harm Reduction Efforts Amid Drug Crisis in B.C.

As the toxic drug crisis continues to escalate, nurses on Vancouver Island are integrating harm reduction strategies into their healthcare practices. On December 2, 2023, fourth-year nursing students from Vancouver Island University collaborated with the VIU Harm Reduction Alliance to host an educational panel aimed at raising awareness about the crisis, challenging stigma, and fostering community safety.

Sarah Lovegrove, a nursing professor at the university, highlighted the growing importance of harm reduction in nursing. “Even just six years ago when I was practising in the ER, very few nurses practised harm reduction or understood what it was,” she stated. “Now we’re witnessing a new wave of nurses who comprehend its significance, including these students who will soon enter the workforce.” This new generation of nurses is expected to bring crucial knowledge about harm reduction strategies to hospitals across the region.

Community Engagement and Education

The panel featured contributions from various experts in the field, including Corey Ranger, president of the Harm Reduction Nurses Association; Dr. Jessica Wilder, co-founder of Doctors for Safer Drug Policy; Edward Joe, Indigenous harm reduction educator from the First Nations Health Authority; and Lenae Silva, co-founder of the Open Heart Collaborative and an opioid user.

Dr. Wilder emphasized that harm reduction extends beyond illicit substances, also addressing risks associated with everyday activities. “As a doctor, I am not a judge; my role is to help patients stay healthy based on their definitions of health,” she explained. Her comments reflect a growing understanding among healthcare professionals about the need to support individuals engaged in potentially harmful behaviours.

The panel discussed the alarming shift in the local drug supply. Dr. Wilder noted that substances have transitioned from heroin to more potent opioids like fentanyl and its analogues, including para-fluorofentanyl. “This substance can cause an overdose with just two milligrams,” she warned. While drug testing strips can detect para-fluorofentanyl, other opioids like nitazenes remain undetectable, further complicating the crisis.

Addressing Dependency and Community Support

Dr. Wilder shared alarming statistics from a patient in Nanaimo, revealing that during one month, opioids tested contained varying percentages of fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, and other harmful substances. “When people are asked why they don’t just stop using drugs, the physiological dependence often makes abrupt cessation life-threatening,” she elaborated. The current system lacks adequate resources for those seeking treatment, leading to unnecessary deaths.

Edward Joe discussed the First Nations Health Authority’s approach to harm reduction, which involves providing community care cabinets stocked with naloxone and traditional medicines. He stressed the importance of cultural connections in addressing addiction, stating, “The opposite of addiction is connection.” This perspective highlights the need for community involvement and support to combat the underlying issues of poverty and trauma associated with substance use.

Corey Ranger pointed out the misconceptions surrounding harm reduction strategies. He recalled a common belief that those who use fentanyl cannot recover, countering that narrative with a success story of an individual who overcame addiction and reconnected with their family after receiving support. “Since 2016, 18,000 people in British Columbia have died due to the unregulated drug supply. These deaths are preventable and stem from political and policy failures,” Ranger stated.

The educational panel exemplifies the proactive steps being taken to address the toxic drug crisis in British Columbia. By equipping nursing students with knowledge about harm reduction, the healthcare community is fostering a more informed and compassionate approach to patient care.