Nurses sign open letter in support of Drug User Liberation Front

After the arrests of members of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) for providing a safe supply to people who use drugs, Trevor Goodyear, PhD Candidate, has appeared in the media to show support for DULF. Some of his key points include:

• The overdose crisis was declared in 2016 -- we are now in our 7th year of this crisis.
• Upwards of 6 people are dying every day in BC.
• Drug poisoning or overdose is the leading cause of death in BC for people between the ages of 10 and 59.
• Government inaction against this crisis has forced people to step up to save lives by providing a safe supply.
• Nurses and other healthcare professionals need to raise their voices in support of harm reduction strategies because a safe supply can save lives.

October 31, 2023 | THE TYEE Nurses Condemn the Arrests of Safe Supply Providers Trevor co-signed an op-ed with Lauren Airth and Sammy Iammarino (also registered nurses and PhD candidates in nursing at the University of British Columbia), Marilou Gagnon, Bernie Pauly and Allie Slemon (RNs and professors in nursing at the University of Victoria), and Nancy Henderson (an RN and PhD candidate at UVic). "DULF members have reported an improved quality of life alongside fewer experiences of overdose, hospitalization and drug-related violence, including negative interactions with police. This program offers a low-barrier, person-centred and impactful intervention that is mitigating overdose risk while contributing to broader improvements in health and social well-being."

THE TYEE

November 4, 2023 | CBC DAY 6 with Brent Banbury  A BC nurse says the arrest of safe drug supply activists could make the overdose crisis worse Asked whether treatment options should be employed rather than harm reduction, Trevor points out that "these are not things that should be pitted against each other. Oftentimes, harm reduction programs such as DULF's compassion club model can be an entryway into treatment for people who use drugs. When people feel safe, respected, and non-stigmatized, we are able to really build relationships with people and connect them with care and support, including treatment, on terms that work for them."

CBC DAY 6

November 4, 2023 | CITYNEWS B.C. Doctors, nurses sign open letter in support of Drug User Liberation Front  Some B.C. doctors and nurses have signed an open letter supporting the Drug User Liberation Front in Vancouver, whose founders may be facing drug trafficking charges because of their illegal compassion club program.