Response to Provincial Post-Secondary Overdose Prevention and Response Taskforce Guidelines

Statement from President Hall

The recommendations from the Provincial Post-Secondary Overdose Prevention and Response Taskforce present an important opportunity for post-secondary institutions to work together and implement the most up-to-date best practices, in a coordinated response to the opioid crisis.   

Overdoses and the impacts of the toxic-drug supply are experienced in all areas of society today, with university students at particular risk. University campuses, including UVic, face a huge challenge. The death of Sidney McIntyre-Starko, a first-year student, at UVic last winter has impacted our campus deeply and is driving us to do better and to do more to keep our community safe. We welcome the partnership from the Provincial Post-Secondary Overdose Prevention and Response Taskforce in supporting all BC campuses. The recommendations will help ensure we are equipped to address and respond to the toxic drug crisis. 

The University of Victoria has already started implementing many measures recommended by the province, including the installation of naloxone kits in residence buildings. We have strengthened emergency response protocols, improved training, and increased awareness and education around overdose-prevention measures. To view our current commitments and the changes we’ve implemented, please visit our Overdose prevention and harm reduction webpage.  

Overdoses are often preventable and there are steps we can all take to help keep ourselves and our community safe. Learn about the many supports and resources available to help keep you safe. Take advantage of the free naloxone training and kits offered at the university. If you use drugs, please don’t use alone.    

Kevin Hall
President and Vice-Chancellor