Ni tsun hwule'lum'ut ch' I take notice of you (I care)
Opioid Response

Main Page Where to Get Help About the Opioid Crisis How to Respond to an Overdose Where to Get Naloxone & Training Information for Families, Youth & Community

Important Information About Drug Use & Opioids

We ask all members to please have Narcan (naloxone) in your household, especially if you live with others or have kids.

In many overdose deaths, the family and friends of people who died did not know they were using drugs.

Please discuss the important information below with your kids, family and friends.

Please don't use drugs alone. Most overdose deaths happen when people use alone, and no one can call help. Use with a buddy or at the OPS.
Drug supply is poisonous & deadly. Very high risk of overdose and death.
Start with a small dose and go slow. Use at different times so someone is awake to call help.
If there's an overdose, CALL 9-1-1 RIGHT AWAY, give breaths, give Narcan (naloxone). When you call 9-1-1 to report an overdose, you WON'T be charged for simple drug possession.
Carry Narcan (naloxone) and know how to use it. Narcan nasal spray is free at London Drugs and pharmacies with your Status Card and BC Services Card.
Use at the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS).
5878 York Road. Open everyday, 11:00am to 7:00pm. A safe, confidential space with zero judgement. Testing drugs takes 2 minutes, no questions asked.
Stay COVID-safe. Get vaccinated and don't share supplies.
Use the Lifeguard App. If you use alone, the Lifeguard phone app can call 911 if you overdose. Free at the App Store or Google Play.
Safe supply is available. Doctor at OPS (5878 York Rd, 250-597-7779) and Nurse Practitioner at PCN Clinic (71 Government St, 250-669-6542) can give safe supply of opioids. Or call your doctor, Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre (250-746-6184) or Healthlink BC (8-1-1).
Help and support are available. If you’re struggling with addiction, you’re NOT alone. Please reach out. Call Kwun’atsustul's Treatment Coordinator at 250-732-6055 or message via Facebook. Read more below and on our where to get help page.

Where to get Help with Addiction

For help with addiction, ALL Cowichan Tribes members can access helpful services and supports from Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre, Island Health, and the First Nations Health Authority.

Kwun’atsustul Treatment Coordinator

Monday to Friday, 8:30am—4:30pm| Call: 250-732-6055 or message via Facebook.

· Kwun’atsustul Treatment Coordinator Alexis Cage helps Cowichan members with support, detox, and treatment for substance misuse and addictions.

Sa'qw'thut Culturally-Grounded Treatment Program

Tues—Fri, 11:00am—3:00pm|Call: 250-732-3487 email: Deanna.Thompson@cowichantribes.com

· Cowichan Tribes’ culturally-grounded treatment program based on the Quw’utsun Snuw’uy’ulh (Teachings). Open to Cowichan Tribes members and their families.

Addictions Medicine Support at Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre

| 5768 Allenby Road | 250-746-6184

· Hwialusmutul' community nursing is working with an addictions specialist, Dr. Elizabeth Plant, to provide medical support for substance misuse. Dr. Plant can help members who are using opioids or need support for withdrawal.

Rapid Access Clinic at Duncan Mental Health and Substance Use

Drop-In Only | Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 2:00pm | 3088 Gibbins Rd. |250-709-3040

· A walk-in clinic for adults with addiction and mental health challenges.

· Open to ALL Cowichan Tribes members.

· Drop-in service, no appointment necessary. Please arrive before 1:30pm. Adults drop in for a 40 to 60 minute conversation with a supportive healthcare professional. Options are given for next steps such as referrals to detox, treatment, or other helpful support resources.

Cowichan Overdose Prevention Site

Open 7 days a week, 11:00am—7:00pm | 5878 York Road | 250-597-7779

· A safe space with friendly staff and zero judgment. You don’t need to give your name.

· Supervised consumption including injection and smoking. Provides supports and referrals to detox, treatment, and safe supply of substances.

Download the How to Respond to an Overdose Poster, and please share on your social media:

Reports & Documents

About the Working Group

Cowichan Tribes' Opioid Crisis Response Working Group is a cross-departmental, standing working group of Cowichan Tribes managers and staff.

Our Vision: A strong, safe, healthy Nation, free from addiction and drug poisonings, wheremembersare firmly grounded in Quw’utsun cultureandget the services and supports they need, delivered by Cowichan Tribes.

Our Purpose: Lead and coordinate Cowichan Tribes’ ongoing response to the crisis of addiction and tosic drug deaths.

Our service delivery work includes: overdose prevention and harm reduction; direct outreach and support for at-risk members and youth; addiction treatment and recovery support; detox referrals; counselling, mental health, and cultural support; and, data collection and monitoring to inform situation reports & updates.