Third-year UBCO nursing student Thomas Pool, a trained FTIR technician, checks a drug sample during a harm-reduction session on campus.

UBC Okanagan’s Harm Reduction Team, in partnership with Interior Health, is taking its confidential drug-checking service to communities across the region in an effort to save lives.

Lauren Airth, a health specialist with UBC Okanagan’s Campus Health team, says while the service has been available since December, they want the public to know how to access drug checking opportunities in an informative and confidential manner. Drug checking is now available in Penticton, Vernon and Kelowna several times a week.

“Our goal is to provide information about what is in clients’ substances and support informed decision-making,” says Airth. “This is the same courtesy we extend to people who choose to drink; they always know the percentage of alcohol in their drink, how different drinks will affect them and the recommended limits alongside community support services when they’ve drunk too much. Everyone deserves this level of knowledge and support regarding their substance of choice.”

Read the full story here: UBC Okanagan News

Watch a Global News report here

Listen to a CBC Radio interview – HaRT – Harm Reduction Team in the Okanagan Valley