Whereas the low barrier distribution of harm reduction supplies, including syringes and other safe injection supplies, in communities across BC poses a significant safety and cleanliness concern; And whereas local governments, businesses and residents are bearing the escalating cost of cleaning up needles and drug paraphernalia in public spaces: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request ongoing provincial funding to local governments to cover the cost of cleaning up needles and drug paraphernalia in their communities.
Ministry of Health The Ministry of Health Ministry recognizes that discarded used injecting equipment and other supplies associated with harm reduction supply distribution is a concern for some communities in the province. Discarded equipment can contribute to negative public perceptions about substance use programs and the populations they serve i.e., people who use drugs, which can undermine the viability and sustainability of community-based harm reduction services. While the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens from discarded syringes is low, public concern about this issue can be high. The Ministry is committed to supporting robust harm reduction programs, including effective reach of harm reduction supplies such as sterile syringes to groups and individuals who are vulnerable to drug-related harms such as HIV, hepatitis C and illicit drug overdose. Harm reduction is a globally recognized, evidence-based best practice for reducing health harms associated with substance use to individuals, communities, and society. However, as substance use and addiction are complex issues with a variety of factors that contribute to their incidence and prevalence, an effective response requires cooperation among partners from different levels of government and health or social systems. In BC, the Harm Reduction Community Guide: https:www.health.gov.bc.calibrarypublicationsyear2005hrcommunityguide.p… provides guidance for municipalities to take a leadership and a facilitative role in supporting evidence-based public health services, thereby reducing the level of drug-related harm in their communities. With respect to retrieval of used syringes, the Ministry endorses the position of the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Provincial Health Officer, which recommends engaging with clients through peer-based syringe recovery programs, installing sharps disposal bins in public spaces, and encouraging clients to return syringes to harm reduction distribution sites and health units. The Ministry recommends against syringe buy-back programs because there is no evidence that they are effective and they may cause unintended harm and consequences e.g., increased risk of needle stick injury; risks associated with breaking into or removing community disposal boxes, and wastage. The Ministry recognizes that this issue is not limited to one system or governmental jurisdiction, but instead requires cooperative effort to address across multiple systems and levels of government. Effective harm reduction supply recovery and disposal services require the participation of a variety of stakeholders, including harm reduction service providers, regional health authorities, business associations, community agencies, local and provincial governments, and individuals or associations of people who inject drugs. Local governments can play a key role in the development and sustainability of such partnerships. To support these efforts, in September 2019, the Community Action Initiative CAI issued a call for proposals for municipal governments to access up to 50,000 to address community wellness and harm reduction issues, including syringe recovery and disposal. In total 34 applications were received and a robust adjudication process was completed in December 2019. Our combined efforts will help ensure that BC communities are safe, healthy places to live, and that community concerns are addressed in a timely and effective manner.