Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance

Are you into activism? All about education? Do you like planning events? Or being part of a social media team? There's something for everyone at the VIU HRA! Come out to our first meeting of the year and see how you can make a difference in our community 💜

Join us to learn how to respond to an opioid poisoning at the VIU Naloxone Training Workshop !

This workshop will be co-facilitated by Island Health and First Nations Health Authority, and will have an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives and community care.

Open to students and employees 💜

It was lovely to chat with Lenae Silva about her experience and upcoming art exhibition at @viuniversity.bsky.social organized by @viuhra.bsky.social.

More about Toss the Boss:

Why should you donate to our team?? Because our prof is scared of heights!

Our goal is to raise awareness about Anoxic Brain Injury. For every one fatal drug poisoning death, there are at least 15 non-fatal events. Every one of those is at risk for this type of injury.

Even if someone survives an overdose, lasting damage can be done. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long, an anoxic brain injury can happen. Knowing how to spot the signs and support someone properly can really help their recovery!

Please consider donating to this fantastic fundraiser!

Stay safe, friends

Especially now, it's important to think critically about what is fact and what is opinion. News outlets often include different voices, but that doesn't mean that one loud politician's opinion carries the same weight as a highly trained expert. For medical issues trust the medical experts.

#drugsky

Join us on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 12-2 pm in the VIU Quad as we come together to grieve, remember, and honour those we have lost to the Toxic Drug Crisis. 💜🕯️

We are looking forward to this upcoming event from @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social

See you all there??? 😄

#nanaimo
#drugsky
#harmreduction
#careisnotforced

How much do you know about harm reduction? Swing by and visit us to learn all about it, grab some pamphlets and get some supplies. We will be outside the library until 1 today!

#VIUNanaimo
#vancouverislanduniversity
#nanaimo
#harmreduction

We had such a good time at the last Overdose Response event that we decided to do it again- this time with the added benefit of a FREE LUNCH! 🥳

All are welcome, no sign up required. If you need assistance finding parking or locating the room, please send a message and we will help 🫶

Curious about harm reduction? Interested in getting involved? Join us at our next meeting!

We'll be meeting tomorrow, February 11th, from 12:30-2:00pm in Building 180, Room 136. Refreshments will be provided, and all VIU students, staff, and faculty are welcome!

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Earlier this week we sent a letter to Island Health in response to their treatment of Dr. Wilder following her harm reduction advocacy work.

If our health authority is more willing to take action based on politics than academic research then we are all in trouble. Our community deserves better. 🧵

Removal of Dr. Wilder from her Island Health harm reduction role is disgraceful. It reflects BC’s approach to the forever crisis. Care Not Cops, Risebridge, Stop the Sweeps, Unhoused Solidarity Collective Okanagan, North Cowichan Cop Watch, Moms Stop the Harm & other groups call out bad politics polluting the healthcare system

Removal of Dr. Wilder from her Island Health harm reduction role is disgraceful. It reflects BC’s approach to the forever crisis

www.policeoversight.ca/p/removal-of... #drugsky

A Mother's Letter to the City of Nanaimo Amid an island snowfall, one mother shares her concerns for the community

Take a minute to read this letter from MSTH's Wanda Leblanc about the impossible situation Nanaimo's unhoused population faces during winter weather.

Why is it left to volunteers to support them?

Over 100 people were at Risebridge today.

@power1312.bsky.social
@momsstoptheharm.bsky.social

Check out this upcoming webinar hosted by @hrna.bsky.social featuring Dr. Wilder from @docs4saferdrugs.bsky.social

"Saving Lives is Not Controversial: A Conversation with Doctors for Safer Drug Policy"

To register, click here:

us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

For anyone who was planning to attend tomorrow's meeting, it's been rescheduled for next week (same time and place).

Interested in hearing about upcoming meetings and events? Join our mailing list 💌

(From the IG archives)

It's true, there really is a gap between public perception and the actual reality with OAT. So happy to hear you're comfortable educating people about it, that makes a difference 💜🙌

From the archives (originally posted on our Instagram page).

As learners, this is how you can start to change minds. It's about planting seeds 🌱

#harmreduction
#harmreductionsaveslives
#challengestereotypes
#challengemisinformation

We are proud to be supporting this awesome project. Check out the article! 💜