Overdose

News29 November 2024

Ontario’s harmful backslide: A threat to lives and Canada’s legacy in harm reduction

Ontario's legislative action to close safe consumption sites risks undermining the achievements of these initiatives, including saving lives, increasing community safety and HIV/Hepatitis control.

Publications12 November 2024

'They talk about it like it's an overdose crisis when in fact it's basically genocide' The experiences of Indigenous peoples who use illicit drugs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood

Lavalley et al. call for responses to Canada's overdose epidemic to centre the ongoing impacts of structural violence, colonialism and poverty that perpetuate inequalities faced by Indigenous communities.

News12 November 2024

Canada’s harm reduction legacy is under threat. We must not turn back

Prioritising harm reduction efforts, public health and safeguarding rights are key to combatting rising opposition to Canada's historically bold drug policies and increasingly toxic supply.

News7 November 2024

It's been 12 months since small amounts of illicit drugs were decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory

Despite initial reservations, rates of drug use have remained similar while access to harm reduction services has increased.

Publications7 November 2024

Prioritizing opioid settlement funds for overdose prevention centers in the US

D4DPR argues that money from opioid litigation settlements should also be used for overdose prevention centres to mitigate future death and mortality and improve the quality of life for those who use drugs.

News6 November 2024

Drug overdose deaths in the US may be decreasing – but not for everyone

Recent statistics show a decline in US overdose deaths, but these rates are most likely rising in racialised minority communities due to disproportionate criminalisation and resource scarcity.

News21 October 2024

Canada: Founders of British Columbia's drug 'compassion club' file Charter challenge

DULF founders say shutting down compassion clubs poses great risks to people who use drugs by denying them access to safe supply amidst a drug deaths catastrophe.

News16 October 2024

Australia: ‘People are dying’: Rise of nitazenes should be treated as pandemic, injecting centre head says

In light of the grave threats posed by nitazenes in Australia, experts call for political support and scaling-up of drug checking services to reduce fatalities.

Events

Addressing the fentanyl overdose crisis effectively: evidence from the border and beyond

Online

10 October 2024 - 10 October 2024

Join experts in a webinar hosted by WOLA as they explore adverse effects of militarised drug policies and the need for effective, rights-based solutions to the overdose crisis.

News2 October 2024

Ireland: GPs and pharmacists support removal of criminal sanctions for drug users

The Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Pharmacy Union said that drug use should be decriminalised and paired with health-based interventions to combat rising rates of drug-related death.

News2 October 2024

Why drug overdose deaths in the US are dropping fast

Provisional data shows a 10.6% decrease in overdose deaths, and scaled-up public health and harm reduction efforts could be a contributing factor.

News13 September 2024

Overdose prevention centers are health care: Treat them as such

These harm reduction sites provide crucial preventive and lifesaving services, making them a key part of a health and rights approach.

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