The provincial government announced today that P.E.E.R.S. Alliance will operate the Overdose Prevention Site located at 33 Belmont Street, Charlottetown.
“We are one step closer to providing this life saving service and connecting Islanders to available supports and services with P.E.E.R.S. Alliance. This community-based organization has been operating for more than 30 years and has significant experience in providing harm reduction services to help people.”
- Health and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson
The federally approved Overdose Prevention Site will provide a safer, supervised environment for people to consume pre-obtained substances, and to be connected to supports such as addictions and mental health treatment. With overdoses on the rise in PEI, this service will help address urgent public health needs.
“Since 2020, the Department of Health and Wellness has reported 21 opioid related overdose deaths in Prince Edward Island. Given the increased presence of fentanyl in the local drug supply, it is vital that community organizations, health and social service agencies, and all levels of government find ways to work collaboratively with people who use unregulated substances to reduce drug related harm and promote wellness,” said Angele DesRoches, P.E.E.R.S. Alliance Program Director. “Overdose Prevention Sites save lives, promote dignity, and improve public health while increasing participant’s contact with health and social services. P.E.E.R.S. Alliance looks forward to working with the Department of Health and Wellness, and all key stakeholders, on the successful implementation of this much needed service.”
P.E.E.R.S. Alliance will begin hiring and training staff to prepare for operations. The Community Harm Reduction Steering Committee have been leading community engagement activities on the location of the Overdose Prevention Site.
For the latest information about Prince Edward Island’s harm reduction services and supports, visit: Harm Reduction Services and Supports.
Media contact:
Morgan Martin
Health and Wellness
(902) 218-3430
mxmartin@gov.pe.ca
P.E.E.R.S. Alliance
(902) 566-2437
info@peersalliance.ca