My experience with overdose prevention services

December 6, 2021

Devon is a peer worker who provides overdose prevention and harm reduction supports to those living in shelters and supportive housing. As someone who had his own life saved at an overdose prevention site, he understands the value of these services and it’s important to him that others understand the facts.

In this Story…

Read his story

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Learn more about overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites

Read his story

“Overdose prevention sites (OPS) and supervised consumption sites (SCS) are a place where anybody over 18 can go and use substances safely in a safe environment, where people feel comfortable and free to be themselves,” he says.

He says the people working at these sites are respectful and non-judgemental.

“They’re so professional and they know what they’re doing. I’m confident when I’m going in there that I’m safe. These people are not here to judge or shame. These people are here because they care.”

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In my experience: Devon's story

Learn about Devon's experiences with supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites.

View Devon's story

Learn more about overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites

This story is part of a five-part series called In my experience, where people share first-hand experiences and information about accessing a variety of substance use services at Interior Health.

Read other In my experience stories

Supervised consumption services and overdose prevention sites provide a safe location for a person to use drugs and be monitored in case of overdose. If desired, trained professionals can provide additional services like safer injection education, drug-checking, nursing care and referrals to other substance use services.

Learn about Supervised Consumption/Overdose Prevention Sites

*In loving memory of Devon, we continue to share this resource in honour of his legacy as a courageous leader and educator.