Peer worker involvement in low-threshold supervised consumption facilities in the context of an overdose epidemic in Vancouver, Canada

Social Science & Medicine
Mary Clare KennedyRyan McNeil

Abstract

Overdose prevention sites (OPS) are a form of supervised consumption facility that have been implemented in Vancouver, Canada as an innovative response to an ongoing overdose epidemic. OPS are primarily staffed by peers - people who use(d) drugs (PWUD) - trained in overdose response. We sought to characterize peer worker involvement in OPS programming, including how this shapes service dynamics and health outcomes among PWUD. Data were drawn from a rapid ethnographic study examining the implementation, operations and impacts of OPS in Vancouver from December 2016 to April 2017. We conducted approximately 185 h of observational fieldwork at OPS and 72 in-depth qualitative interviews with PWUD. Data were analyzed thematically, with a focus on peer worker involvement at OPS and related outcomes. OPS implementation and operations depended on peer worker involvement and thus allowed for recognition of capacities developed through roles that peers were already undertaking through local programming for PWUD. Peer involvement at OPS enhanced feelings of comfort and facilitated engagement with OPS among PWUD. These dynamics and appreciation of peer worker expertise enabled communication with staff in ways that fostered harm reduction pr...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jun 7, 2019·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Alexis M RothStephen E Lankenau
Apr 17, 2020·American Journal of Public Health·Michelle OldingRyan McNeil
May 10, 2020·Harm Reduction Journal·Gillian Kolla, Carol Strike
Oct 14, 2020·Harm Reduction Journal·Jeff OndocsinDaniel Ciccarone
Feb 13, 2021·Harm Reduction Journal·Zahra MamdaniJane A Buxton
Jan 8, 2021·Harm Reduction Journal·UNKNOWN People with Lived Expertise of Drug Use National Working GroupJade Boyd
Nov 10, 2020·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Marta-Marika Urbanik, Carolyn Greene
Apr 15, 2020·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Jenna VallerianiRyan McNeil
Dec 16, 2020·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Michelle OldingJade Boyd
May 5, 2021·Human Resources for Health·Aaron M OrkinRoss Upshur
Dec 22, 2020·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Mair UnderwoodMatthew Dunn

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