Island Health Enhances Harm Reduction for Substance Use Education with New Review Process

Posted on: March 4, 2024

Island Health has established a Harm Reduction for Substance Education Review Committee. The committee will review and approve all education and safety materials related to harm reduction for substance use. ​

​The scope of substances includes all illicit drugs, including decriminalized and unregulated substances, as well as alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. Any educational materials related to substances included in the scope above are to be submitted for review. The review process will ensure accurate information is communicated to staff and aligns with current best practices, policy, and procedures, while addressing cultural safety and humility efforts toward reconciliation as an organization.

The new process for reviewing substance use harm reduction and safety materials is critical to meeting WorkSafe BC Compliance Agreements while fostering a safer and more informed environment at Island Health. More information about the agreement can be found on the intranet: Mitigating Exposures - WorkSafe BC Compliance Agreement 2023-24 (islandhealth.ca).


What you need to know:​

​Island Health educators, including any staff, medical staff, safety professionals and external partners/contractors presenting education related to harm reduction for substance use are required to send all materials to the designated email address: SubstanceUseEducation@islandhealth.ca

Submissions must include the following details:

  • Topic
  • Planned dates/times of education delivery
  • Audience
  • Location or platform used for delivery

  • Attached presentation & materials for review​

Materials will be reviewed by the Harm Reduction for Substance Use Education Review Committee to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures related to substance use education.

The review process takes about 7-10 business days.

A Frequently Asked Questions document will be made available on the Harm Reduction for Substance Use Education R​eview Committee staff intranet page soon. 

Please refer back for updates as new questions arise. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at SubstanceUseEducation@islandhealth.ca. ​