news // no. 4 theotherpress.ca New initiatives introduced to combat opioid epidemic » Province-wide pilot project aims to refine addiction treatment Roshni Riar Staff Writer est Practices in Oral Opioid Agonist Therapy (BOOST) has been expanded province-wide in an effort to combat the opioid epidemic. Put together in collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Health and the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC- CfE), the program follows the structure of the BC-CfE’s successful HIV/AIDS epidemic reduction strategy introduced in the ’80s and ’gos. The model has also been successfully used to help patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and tuberculosis. In April 2016, BC declared a province- wide opioid health emergency. Since January of that year, there have been over 3,400 confirmed deaths from opioid drug overdoses. BOOST was developed in response to the epidemic. The initiative involves everyday support such as taking patients to important appointments, following up regularly to keep them on track in their recovery and accountability, and supporting the search for basic needs like employment, housing, and prolonged medical care. A key component of BOOST focuses on helping recovering addicts transition into opioid substitution programs—Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT)—utilizing drugs like methadone and suboxone. BOOST Answering one of the major questions of this era » Can urban development be fair and sustainable? Tania Arora Staff Reporter ouglas College—in association with SFU’s Urban Studies Program and the City of New Westminster—held its latest Urban Challenges Forum on January 17. The theme for the event was “Just Growth.” Given its location in the middle of Metro Vancouver, the City of New Westminster holds the power to attract millions of new residents. In recent years, the city has witnessed major changes in terms of its population and urban growth. This has been beneficial for the city but at the same time has brought major challenges. The question that now arises is how to accommodate such a rapidly growing population in a sustainable way. Organized at Douglas College’s New Westminster Campus from 6:30 to 8 pm, the event allowed students and citizens of New Westminster to learn about the current municipal office’s plans for the city. Speakers at the event included Michael McPhee, a Geography instructor at Douglas College who was the moderator for the evening; Meg Holden, Director and Professor of the Urban Students Program at SFU; and Patrick Johnstone, who is a New Westminster City Councillor. Samdisha Anand, an international student at Douglas College who attended the forum, said in an interview with the Other Press that many students at Douglas College do not live in New Westminster currently. “Every semester I see a lot of students coming here. Everyone prefers convenience and to live in a good locality with all basic amenities,” she said. “It has now become difficult to find houses here compared to the situation before. The prices have skyrocketed. Many live here and many commute from other cities every day.” Anand said she sees “great potential” for the city to become a top choice for people to live in. The City of New Westminster's website lists its great improvements in recent years including the Citywide Integrated Stormwater Management Plan, Downtown Parking Strategy, Fourth Street was originally an 18-month pilot project that saw 1,100 patients in 17 treatment clinics across BC. Now, due to the success of the original project, it will be able to accommodate more patients. Dr. Rolando Barrios, BC-CfE’s Senior Medical Director, said he thinks treatment is critical in prevention. By allowing patients a safe opioid substitution, the need to illegally acquire drugs is reduced. The substitution also helps to alleviate the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that drive people to continue using. In the pilot project’s 18-month trial, the use of OAT in collaboration with the social and personal supports saw success rates of 70 percent, with 7 out of 10 patients maintaining sobriety and adhering to the program at the three-month mark. This is a significant increase from previous figures, which sat at an average 30 to 40 percent success rate. In an interview with the Other Press, Riley Cole’, a first-year Anthropology student at Douglas College, shared their thoughts on the project announcement. “I think this is an important and good step, they said. “Tracking recovering addicts, ensuring they are treated in safe conditions, and ensuring they have access to safe supplies of drugs like methadone and suboxone are critical in avoiding immediate harm or long-term detriment. The increased level of support will help people obtain sobriety.” Weighing the steps that the province has taken to combat the opioid crisis, Cole Pedestrian Overpass, and more. Considering the rise in population, New Westminster might require a new downtown transportation plan. Another idea discussed at the forum was to focus on developments in the high-rise area near Carnarvon Street. Johnstone said at the forum, “Growth is happening, and it is happening at a serious pace. The First Regional Planning Board came up in 1949 and then there was Regional Growth Strategy Board in 20n.” de thinks there still is a lot more work for the government. “This is a start,” they said. “It’s a great first step but more needs to continue to be done. A comprehensive strategy needs to be developed, targeting what is causing these addictions and these deaths, how these drugs are obtained and from whom. In the future, I feel that steps towards decriminalization would help addicts secure these newly implemented treatments without fear of repercussion or prosecution .” *Interviewee’s name was changed upon request due to sensitive subject matter Speaking about the importance of sustainability, he said, “There is a reason we project 50 years into the future. Each step we take is going to affect generations to come.” The forum ended with the general public and students posing questions to the guest speakers. Many came up with concerns, while others voiced questions about what lies ahead for the city and its residents.