B.C. expands access to nasal naloxone with $50 million investment

British Columbia is allocating $50 million to expand access to nasal naloxone, with $18 million described as new funding and the remainder from existing funds; kits will be distributed first to 150 community sites and then to all 2,400 take-home naloxone locations from April.

British Columbia is spending $50 million to expand availability of nasal naloxone across the province, Health Minister Josie Osborne said. The Health Ministry reported $18 million of the total is new funding while the remainder comes from pre-existing funds. Officials also noted that injectable take-home naloxone kits have been reported to avert nearly 40,000 deaths since 2019. Key facts: - The province announced a $50 million investment to expand nasal naloxone distribution. - The Health Ministry says $18 million is new funding and the remainder is from existing funds. - Officials reported that injectable take-home naloxone kits have averted nearly 40,000 deaths since 2019. - The government plans to supply nasal kits to 150 community sites soon and to all 2,400 take-home naloxone sites starting in April. Summary: Officials said the funding is intended to broaden availability of nasal naloxone across the province and to reach more community distribution points. Chloe Goodison, executive director of the NaloxHome Society, is reported as saying the nasal kits give youth a tool they feel comfortable carrying and can confidently use in emergencies.