Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

5.6M in funding for drug-dispensing machines

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Mar, 2021 08:49 PM
  • 5.6M in funding for drug-dispensing machines

The federal government has provided nearly $5.6 million in funding for five vending machines that will dispense medical-grade opioids in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia, in order to prevent overdoses.

Darren Fisher, parliamentary secretary to Health Minister Patty Hajdu, says two machines are located in Vancouver, one is in Victoria and one each are in London, Ont., and Dartmouth, N.S.

The machines, called MySafe, are similar to ATMs and allow drug users at risk of overdose to get hydromorphone pills dispensed to them after their palm has been scanned.

Fisher says MySafe allows participants to access a safer drug without fear, shame and stigma, and without contact with anyone, which is all the more essential during the pandemic.

Overdose deaths have spiked during pandemic with many people using along and a more toxic illicit drug supply.

Drug users are assessed by a doctor and a baseline urine sample is collected before they can access safer drugs through the MySafe machines, which are bolted to the floor.

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver home sales up 73% year-over-year: REBGV

Vancouver home sales up 73% year-over-year: REBGV
"The supply of listings for sale isn’t keeping up with the demand we’re seeing,” said Colette Gerber, REBGV's chair, in a release.

Vancouver home sales up 73% year-over-year: REBGV

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders
Henry and the province have said they are confident the health orders are in accordance with the law, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days
With the additional supply from the newly approved AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India viral vector vaccine, combined with setting the second dose interval at 16 weeks, everyone moves up the line, meaning more people will be vaccinated more quickly.

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI
The AstraZeneca vaccine was authorized for use Friday on all adults, including seniors, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization is concerned there is limited data on how well the vaccine will work in older populations.

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021
The changes, if passed, will come into effect on July 1 and are in addition to earlier protections introduced in 2018.

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine
Liberal MP John McKay, the committee chairman, said Monday the hearing could take place this week but cautioned it would be a challenge to schedule witnesses in time.

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine