Funding from the government is being provided to help address the overdose crisis across the province.
Earlier this year, the Overdose Emergency Response Centre(OERC) launched Community Action Teams(CAT) in 20 communities and allowed them to apply for a one-time grant of $100,000.
Prince George was selected to receive funding and Mayor Lyn Hall says the money will allow for teams to come together to tackle this crisis.
“It’s a great opportunity for non-profit organizations and Northern Health to work together to try to provide service to these people who are suffering from addiction.”
The grant will be going towards creating community based-harm reduction services, increased naloxone availability, address unsafe drug-supply and supporting people at risk of overdoses.
A second stream of funding will be provided this fall -up to a maximum of $75,000 per community- available for all B.C. communities affected by the overdose response.
last year the city saw 22 overdose deaths and currently for 2018 PG is sitting at 17, which is on track to surpass 2017’s numbers.