New BC program to offer free drug testing for users in bid to reduce fentanyl overdoses

A new program in which users can have their drugs inspected by technicians to determine if they contain fentanyl or an unwelcome cutting agent is being piloted in British Columbia.

The hope is that the inspection sites – two of which are operating in Victoria – can help prevent overdoses.

The three-year pilot has been funded by a $1.7 million grant from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program.

The research team is led by a chemistry professor and a social worker from the University of Victoria.

“This crisis continues to be one of the most serious public health issues in Canada’s recent history,” Ginette Petitpas Taylor, the minister of health, said.

“It is a medical issue, not a moral one. We know the vast majority of deaths occurred because of substances that were tainted with fentanyl. This is why we will continue to do all we can to save lives by investing in research and technologies that help people who use drugs know what’s really in them.”

Bruce Wallace, associate professor of social work at UVic, said that as the project progresses he hopes to see it expand beyond Vancouver Island.

“Service users are able to check their drugs, discuss results with project staff, and access information and supplies for safer drug use,” he said.