WHEN IN DOUBT CALL 911

Harm Reduction: Safe Partying

Let’s talk about harm reduction. Here you can find strategies, tips, and resources for safer partying and consumption. Whether you’re hitting the books or the dance floor, we have this guide to keep your plans fun and safe!

We’re not the professionals, always call for emergency assistance when you or someone is in need of help.

BC 211

Interior Crisis Line | 1-888-353-2273 available 24/7

BC Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral Service | 1-800-663-1441 available 24/7

Mental Health & Substance Use Supports Line | 310-6478 no area code needed

Extended Emergency & Support Lines

WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION

WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION


Harm reduction is an approach aimed at minimizing the health and social risks associated with addiction and substance use. Instead of insisting on abstinence, this approach offers strategies to reduce harm and empower individuals to make their own safer choices, without force.

By recognizing people's diverse behaviors and the possibility of both safe and unsafe practices, the emphasis of this approach shifts to prioritizing safety above all. So, whether you’re out in town, or at a party, you could practice harm reduction in these ways:

  • Carpooling is a fun and eco-friendly travel option, but it's crucial to have a sober designated driver if substances are involved. If a sober designated driver is not available, consider saving cab numbers or use ridesharing apps as alternatives.

  • Letting someone know about your plans, especially for parties or events, is a tool to keep you safer, as they'll know where you are and can check in if necessary.

  • Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach can lead to faster intoxication and increased risk of alcohol-related harm, so aim to eat a balanced meal beforehand.

  • Some substances can dehydrate the body, leading to unpleasant side effects and health risks. Drinking water or non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages between substances can help maintain hydration levels and mitigates some of the negative effects.

  • Using substances alone increases the risk of overdose and other dangers, as there's no one present to provide assistance in case of an emergency. It's essential to have friends around when using substances and to look out for each other's well-being.

  • Kelowna Naloxone Training

    Penticton Naloxone Training - Stephanie Lines | OneSky Harm Reduction Coordinator | 250-488-1376

    Salmon Arm Training: As you need it. Please talk to the main office.

Institutional Support Services & Resources

  • The Safe Walk Program: We understand that sometimes you might feel safer walking with someone. If you ever need assistance getting to your vehicle, the overflow parking lot in Kelowna, or anywhere else on campus, please don't hesitate to reach out. Just give security a call on your campus, and they’ll be there to help you feel secure on your way.

  • Kelowna Campus Security: 250-317-2435 available 24/7 | Penticton Campus Security: 250-486-3879 | Salmon Arm Campus Security: 250-317-2435 available 24/7

    Please also click the links below for additional on campus information and Apps.

    Counseling services

    Sexual Violence Education and Prevention

    Survivor Support at OC

  • Download the OC Safe App to receive updates, and gain immediate access to 911, campus security, emergency procedures, work or study alone check-in, campus maps, support services and more. Available for iOS and Android devices.

Safe Drug Checking

  • Kelowna Drug Checking | Downtown Overdose Prevention Site | 1649 Pandosy Street | Wednesday's 5-7pm

    Get Your Drugs Tested is a free community service offered by The Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary in Vancouver. They will analyze samples of street drugs received in person and through the mail using FTIR spectrometer, as well as immunoassay test strips that check for substances like fentanyl, benzodiazepines, MDMA and LSD.

    Click here on where you can get your drugs tested.

  • If using alone Download an app that will connect you to help if an overdose happens. There is no police involvement when using these services:

    Connect by Lifeguard - anonymous, life-saving technology that provides a direct link to emergency services when an accidental overdose occurs. Additional features of the app include Naloxone and CPR guidance, drug alerts and direct access to local mental health and addiction support services.

    Brave App – connects you with community members when you are vulnerable to an overdose. Users set up an overdose plan that puts them in control, detailing how, when, and who is sent for help.

    Call the National Overdose Response Service:

    1-888-688-NORS (6677) - a free hotline that provides loving, confidential, non-judgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs

  • Talk to other men:

    This app connects men with a supportive community, resources and information to help men deal with stress, tension, anxiety and depression. Core pillars address mental, physical, emotional, social and soul fitness.

    Toxic Drug Alerts:

    Sign up to receive Island Health's drug-poisoning overdose advisories by text message. These advisories share information about increases in toxic drug poisonings in Island Health communities and provide tips for safer drug use. Text JOIN to 253787 to subscribe. Those who subscribe can text OD to 253787 to anonymously submit information about unregulated drug poisoning.

External Support Services & Resources

Information Lines

  • General Information Lines

    Suicide Line (toll free) 1-800-784-2433

    BC Poison Control (toll free) 1-800-567-8911

    BC Nurse Line (toll free) 1-866-245-4700

    HealthLink BC (toll free) 8-1-1

    Employment and Income Assistance 1-866-866-0800

    Tenants Rights Coalition 1-800-665-1185

    Call your Family Doctor or go to a Walk-in Medical Clinic

    The Mental Illness Family Support Centre 250-260-3233

    The FORCE Society for Kids Mental Health 250-833-6100

  • Salmon Arm Area

    Salmon Arm Health Centre

    RCMP Salmon Arm 250-832-6044

    Shuswap Lake General Hospital 250-833-3600

    Salmon Arm Health Unit 250-833-4100

    SAFE Society 250-832-9616

    Shuswap Family Resource Centre 250-832-2170

    Shuswap Children’s Association 250-833-0164

    Salmon Arm Mental Health (Interior Health): 250-833-4102

    Salmon Arm Substance Use (Interior Health): 250-833-4103

    Aspiral Youth Partners Association 250-832-3885

    Shuswap Hospice Society: 250-832-7099

    Shuswap Family Resource and Referral Centre: 250-832-2170

    Salmon Arm Women’s Shelter 250-832-9616

    Alcoholics Anonymous Shuswap 1-866-531-7045

  • Kelowna & Penticton Area

    KELOWNA:

    KCR-Community Resources: 250-763-8008

    CMHA-Kelowna Location: 250-861-3644

    Foundry Kelowna: 250-420-2803

    Kelowna Women’s Shelter

    Kelowna General Hospital: 250-862-4000

    Kelowna Urgent & Primary Care Centre

    PENTICTON:

    Penticton Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) 7 days a week, 9am-11pm Call the hospital at 250-492-4000 and ask to be connected to CCRT

    Penticton Walk-In Clinic

    One Sky Community Resources

    Penticton Mental Health & Substance Use: 250-770-3555

    Penticton Urgent & Primary Care

    Crisis Services Society