B.C. Auditor General Finds 'Deficiencies' In 2 Overdose Prevention Programs

The Ministries of Health, and Mental Health and Addictions have accepted recommendations from the province’s auditor general on the implementation of BCs overdose prevention and supervised consumption.

Michael Pickup says the program was not effective.

Since the province declared a public health emergency in 2016, more than 14,000 people have died due to the toxic drug supply.

The report says the province’s operational guidance lacked minimum service standards and did not always reflect engagement with health authorities, people with lived and living experience, and Indigenous Peoples.

The audit also found persistent challenges and barriers to province-wide target-setting and evaluation.

For those reasons, the AG says they concluded that “the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and the Ministry of Health did not ensure effective province-wide implementation of overdose prevention and supervised consumption services by the health authorities.”

Among other things, the audit recommends that the ministries work collaboratively with health authorities, service providers, and Indigenous Peoples to develop appropriate minimum level standards for OPS/SCS province-wide, and update guidance for OPS/SCS to ensure it meets everyone’s needs.

The Auditor General’s office says the ministries have accepted all five of its recommendations on service standards, target setting, evaluation and addressing barriers.