In response to British Columbia's toxic drug crisis, we have implemented an Overdose Prevention and Response Plan. We are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of unregulated drugs, and providing harm reduction resources, such as training for staff and students on overdose response, maintaining naloxone kits on campus, and collaborating with local health authorities to ensure access to support services.
Education and awareness
As an educational institution, Camosun College strives to raise awareness, particularly among high-risk groups, about the dangers of unregulated drugs. We’re committed to providing all college community members with information that raises awareness of the toxic drug crisis in British Columbia and the resources to help people manage their mental health.
The college follows the provincial and local health authorities’ guidance on harm reduction strategies, and we partner with local organizations to ensure education and training are provided to our community.
- Incoming new-to-Camosun students receive direct email newsletter communication on the dangers of unregulated drug use and the internal and external supports and services available.
- In partnership with AVI Health and Community Services' Education department, the college offers all college community members hands-on, in-depth workshops on Overdose Response and Naloxone (Narcan) Use. All community members who take part in the training will be provided with a Narcan kit to keep and if students prefer a one:one training, the Camosun College Island Sexual Health Clinic offers this service in our private clinic, Tuesdays at the Lansdowne campus.
- Counselling services are available to all students. For students looking to change their substance use behaviours, counselling services can assist with both support and referral to community agencies.
- Orientation/Welcome Weeks (each semester) include outreach activities regarding recognition and response to an overdose.
- Educational outreach programming includes information on Toward The Heart, a real-time text messaging service to receive toxic-drug alerts as well as a tool for users to share information about toxic drugs circulating in the community.
- Young and New Worker Safety Orientation includes information on toxic drug awareness and internal and external supports.
Naloxone availability
Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids.
- In partnership with the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills, Nasal Naloxone is now available on both the Lansdowne and Interurban campuses. See additional information on the College's response.
- Injectable Naloxone is carried by trained Campus Security members.
- First Aid Attendants carry naloxone kits and are on duty from 8:00am to midnight Monday to Friday.
Naloxone Kit Locations
| Lansdowne campus | Interurban campus |
|---|---|
Fisher in the main lobby
Wilna Thomas near the second floor washrooms
Young near the Fitness Centre and first aid room | Centre for Business and Access (CBA)/Technologies Building (TEC) on the first floor, near the area that divides the two buildings Centre for Trades Education and Innovation (CTEI) in the atrium Liz Ashton Campus Centre (LACC) second floor atrium |
Drug Testing
As a member of our community, if you choose to use drugs, please visit one of the following resources to make sure they’re as safe as possible. Drug checking services can determine a sample’s main active ingredients, fillers or cutting agents, any unexpected drugs, and the presence of fentanyl.
Overdose Response
A timely emergency response is key to supporting a medical emergency.
- Updated Emergency Response posters have been installed across both campuses, highlighting the importance of contacting 9-1-1 in all emergency situations.
- Emergency Response communications have been updated throughout college websites, this includes public-facing and internal websites, and campus-wide posters.
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Emergency Management
Preparing for the unexpected is an individual and organizational responsibility.