New provincial guidelines have been established to support the needs of people who use drugs (PWUD) who are in needing support managing withdrawal symptoms due to COVID-19

This includes prescribing guidelines for: opioids, stimulants, illicit benzodiazepines, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis, as well as guidelines for overdose prevention and delivery/transport support. These guidelines have been approved for implementation in VCH by the Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health, in alignment new provincial guidelines.

As a prescriber, you can follow these guidelines legally. By doing so, you will help support a vulnerable community, help prevent the community spread of COVID-19, and save lives.

BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) provincial clinical guidance to support the needs of people who use drugs (PWUD) who need needing support managing withdrawal symptoms during COVID-19

• Risk Mitigation in the Context of Dual Public Health Emergencies  - Interim Clinical Guidance (BCCSU)

VCH has developed resources to help prescribers (GPs/NPs) in our communities implement these guidelines.

• Prescriber Guidelines for Risk Mitigation in the Context of Dual Public Health Emergencies (VCH Implementation Guidelines) (Updated April 8, 2020)
• Pharmacist Guidelines for Risk Mitigation in the Context of Dual Public Health Emergencies (VCH Implementation Guidelines) (Updated April 8, 2020)

VCH has also set up a prescriber and pharmacist consult resource through the VCH Overdose Outreach Team (OOT) at 604-360-2874 (7 days a week, 8a.m. – 8p.m.)