Category: Advocacy, Policy, Public Health

2019 Federal Election

The 2019 federal election is fast approaching, and we have an opportunity to let all candidates, parties and voters know that the HIV, hepatitis C and other STBBIs require a strong federal government response. We also require a strong government response to address (of people who use drugs, of people living with HIV, sex workers,… Read more »

  When: Wednesday October 9, 2019 Time: 1:00 PM Where: Dze Ḻ K’ant Friendship Centre, 1188 Main Street, Smithers, BC Please join us in a workshop to talk about the facts regarding HIV/AIDS. Education is key for those living with the illness and as well as those who do not. Our hope is to support and… Read more »

Special Presentation by Dr. Christy Sutherland

Please note: Registration closes at 11 AM October 24. We are pleased to announce a special event for our member groups and allies. Dr. Christy Sutherland, Medical Director of PHS Community Services, will share a keynote address to precede PAN’s Annual General Meeting. She will speak on the topics of a safer drug supply and… Read more »

Proud to Vote: LGBTQ2 Issues in the Federal Election

Updated October 4, 2019 Moving Forward for LGBTQ2 Canadians: a pre-election statement was released publicly on September 30. This is the first time in Canadian history that so many organizations (216!) have come together with such a statement in support of LGBTQ2 issues. Feel free to share the statement on your organization’s social media feeds,… Read more »

Sign the Solidarity Statement for Sex Workers’ Rights

PAN has added our name to the list of organizations signing this solidarity statement, that is being circulated by Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights (a progressive, pro-choice charitable organization committed to advancing and upholding sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally) and the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform…. Read more »

Substance Use News September 2019

  Substance Use News provides a snapshot of news and resources for those working to support folks who use substances. We share pieces on the social, medical and political responses to the opioid crisis, from advocacy to welcome change. See our Drug Use and Overdose Response page for resources on overdose services, team resilience, governmental reports,… Read more »

Overdose Washroom Safety Assessment Tool

The City of Vancouver (COV) Washroom Safety Assessment Tool was developed in collaboration with the COV and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) after the Mayor’s Overdose Emergency Task Force received community input (Dec. 2019) that washrooms were an area of concern for fatal overdose. The tool development and safer washroom assessment had 4 stages: 1) Advisory… Read more »

Practical Drug Decriminalization in British Columbia

Earlier this week, Pivot Legal Society released a letter and position paper to friends and supporters regarding drug decriminalization in BC. Excerpt, letter to supporters:  Saturday, August 31, marked International Overdose Awareness Day: a day of mourning on which we recognize the grief and loss felt by communities impacted by overdose and the War on… Read more »

Via the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network    We’re facing a crisis. And our response will determine life or death for some of our friends, family, colleagues and community members. The overdose crisis, fueled by a contaminated drug supply, is killing at an alarming rate.  In the past four years, more than 11,500 people have died. And… Read more »

Substance Use News August 2019

  Substance Use News provides a snapshot of news and resources for those working to support folks who use substances. We share pieces on the social, medical and political responses to the opioid crisis, from advocacy to welcome change. See our Drug Use and Overdose Response page for resources on overdose services, team resilience, governmental reports,… Read more »