Abbotsford overdose prevention site’s lease won’t be renewed

A naloxone kit is shown in Vancouver, B.C., on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

An Abbotsford community health hub that offered overdose prevention and harm reduction services won’t have its lease renewed, according to health officials

Dr. Rahul Walia, who heads up Fraser Health’s toxic drug response, said the health authority has worked closely with the non-profit operator of the Abbotsford Community Hub Centre to find a new location.

“Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Phoenix Society has been unable to secure a suitable new space for the hub,” Walia said, in a statement.

The lease is expiring on March 31.

Walia said the health authority recognizes the important role the hub has played in the community and is actively trying to find new locations to increase overdose prevention services in Abbotsford.

“The toxic drug supply crisis continues to demand urgent action,” he said.

Walia noted the health authority has contracted Phoenix Society to operate the Abbotsford Community Hub Centre since 2018

According to Fraser Health, overdose prevention services can be accessed through the Abbotsford Mobile Overdose Prevention Site at 1670 Riverside Road seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The news out of Abbotsford comes after an overdose prevention site in Vancouver was abruptly shuttered at the end of January.