Overdose prevention & harm reduction
Substance use is a reality in our province. Unfortunately, British Columbia is in the midst of a toxic drug crisis.
The University of Victoria is not immune to this issue. We take our role in educating our community about the toxic drug supply in BC very seriously. We have work to do. We are committed to taking steps to make campus safer for everyone.
In January 2024, Sidney McIntyre-Starko—a first-year UVic student living in residence—was exposed to toxic drugs and died in hospital. A recently concluded and an external review was conducted to better understand and learn from this tragedy.
Safer use
- If you use drugs, please don’t use alone.
- Know the substance you are using and its expected effects
- Go slowly and pace yourself
- Get your drugs checked
- Make sure you know how to recognize and respond to an overdose
- Carry naloxone and learn how to use it