The BC government has now launched their Opioid Treatment Access Line province-wide in an effort to get substance-users access to treatment and medication.
According to the Province, those who call the access line will be provided same-day service to get them the most immediate aid possible.
“When people struggling with opioid addiction decide to reach out for help, they need access to treatment and care quickly, free from barriers,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“This new confidential access line will help people across B.C. start on a path to recovery right away. It’s part of our work to expand access to treatment and recovery so people can get the care they need, where and when they need it.”
The Province says that people struggling with opioid addiction need only call the toll-free number, 1-833-804-8111, and they will be connected to substance-use professionals, nurses and doctors.
Once connected, the Opioid Treatment Access Line team can prescribe life-saving opioid agonist medications.
These medications include buprenorphine/naloxone, methadone and slow-release oral morphine. They are prescribed by a doctor or nurse in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of overdose.
The Province says opioid agonist treatment is an evidence-based approach that is used widely across Canada and around the world.
It is known to help people stabilize their health and life, stay in treatment, stay away from toxic opioid use and start a path to recovery.
Callers can also get connected to regional health-care teams for ongoing treatment and support within their community when they call the access line.
Those seeking longer-term care can speak to dedicated nurses who will work with them to find a solution.
The Province says this service is completely confidential and free, as the treatment is covered under BC PharmaCare.
The call centre will be open to callers seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
According to recent estimates, there are at least 125,000 people living with opioid-use disorder in BC and around 24,000 people currently on opioid agonist treatment.
“Opioid agonist treatments can reduce the harmful symptoms of opioid use and support long-term recovery, but too often people face challenges with getting a prescription when they need it,” said Dr. Penny Ballem, the Premier’s special adviser on health care.
“Through this new telephone service, people from anywhere in BC can quickly and easily get an assessment and be prescribed the treatments they need to start their healing journey.”
Related:
According to the Province, within the ongoing toxic drug death public health emergency in BC, men working in the trades are over-represented in the number of deaths due to overdose.
Of the 35% of people who were employed at the time of their death in 2022, 52% of them worked in the construction, trades or transport industry.
“It can be especially hard for people in the construction industry to overcome stigma and ask for help with an addiction. There is a need to remove further barriers that cause people to turn away,” said Vicky Waldron, executive director of the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan.
“We are hopeful that the Opioid Treatment Access Line will improve access to treatment and care for construction workers who are struggling.”
According to the latest numbers from the BC Coroners Service, at least 14,948 British Columbians have died of toxic drugs since April 2016 when the public health emergency was initiated.
