Harm reduction avoidance in year one of Covid – Vancouver and other cities in NA

Harm reduction avoidance in year one of Covid – Vancouver and other cities in NA

Imagine navigating a pandemic while struggling with addiction. That's the reality many faced during the early months of Covid-19, and it's the focus of this episode featuring M-J Milloy. As a research scientist at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use and an epidemiologist, Milloy dives into how drug users managed—or often couldn't manage—to access harm reduction services during this unprecedented time.

He shares findings from his team's research, highlighting how fear of Covid-19 testing and other barriers led many to avoid places where they could get crucial medication or long-term treatment. Milloy underscores the critical role of low-barrier services in keeping people engaged in care. The pandemic made it glaringly clear that easy access to medical care and evidence-based treatments can be life-saving for those living with opioid use disorder.

Despite Vancouver's reputation for robust harm reduction services, Milloy points out that there's still a long way to go to ensure everyone gets the support they need. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of public health crises and addiction. It sheds light on the unique challenges faced by structurally marginalized communities, including those who are homeless or living in inadequate housing.

Milloy's insights offer a sobering yet hopeful look at what needs to change to better support these vulnerable populations, both during and after a pandemic.