July 22, 2024

Re: Drug Checking Program at the UVic Student Wellness Centre and Harm Reduction on Campus

Dear Dr. Dix, Ms. Greengoe,

The University of Victoria Student Society (UVSS) is writing to express our strong support for the implementation of a drug testing program at the Student Wellness Centre (SWC). Earlier this year, a tragic incident occurred in which an undergraduate student living in residence at the University of Victoria passed away as a result of the province's pervasive toxic drug supply epidemic. Since 2017, the UVSS has been actively conducting naloxone training programs through the Student Wellness Centre. Following the unfortunate fatal overdose of 18-year-old Sidney McIntyre-Starko in January, we have observed increased participation in our naloxone training program among undergraduate students.

Data shows that youths age 19-29 have accounted for approximately ¼ of all overdose deaths in BC since at least 2014. Sidney's death underscored the urgent need for enhanced harm reduction measures on the University of Victoria campus. In response to this the UVSS is working closely with the University of Victoria to develop a robust harm reduction strategy. Among our priorities is the establishment of a drug checking site on campus, involving University of Victoria, Island Health, and provincial authorities. Drug testing is a harm reduction intervention that empowers people to make informed decisions about their consumption and the risks involved. The implementation of such a program would provide a crucial, life-saving service to young adults in our community who use illicit substances.

Having a drug checking site on campus would enable the University of Victoria to issue alerts about local toxic drug supplies to the campus community and health professionals, thereby mitigating overdoses in our campus community and beyond. Recent Canadian data has revealed that Approximately 1 in 10 postsecondary students reported illegal drug use, most commonly “party” drugs such as hallucinogens, cocaine, and ecstasy. It is not unexpected that young adults are engaging in experimentation with drugs. The University of Victoria has already established harm reduction initiatives on campus with designated smoking benches for cannabis and tobacco users and additional educational programming on safer use practices in response to the social climate on University campuses around partying, experimentation and education. Harm reduction is integrated within the UVic campus community, physically and socially. Notably, the University of Victoria partners with the Collaborative Community Laboratory on Substance Use and Harm Reduction and Substance, a drug testing program located in downtown Victoria.

The University of Victoria has demonstrated commitment to addressing the provincially declared public health emergency on overdoses in our province. Drawing on their extensive expertise with community partners would ensure the safe implementation and ongoing monitoring of an on-campus drug checking program, reinforcing the University of Victoria's proactive stance in responding to the community's pressing needs.

We, the UVSS, aim for this letter to illuminate the critical necessity of establishing an on-campus drug checking program. Such a lifesaving service would build upon the University of Victoria's longstanding commitment to harm reduction. We are optimistic that the University, in collaboration with Island Health and provincial authorities, will respond judiciously in instituting a comprehensive drug checking initiative on campus. This proactive step is essential in safeguarding the well-being of our community members and aligns with our collective responsibility to promote health and safety on campus.

Thank you,

The UVSS Board