As British Columbia marks a decade since the declaration of a public health emergency due to the toxic drug crisis, peer workers across Vancouver Island are finding new ways to connect and respond to the ongoing emergency. Since April 14, 2016, more than 18,000 people across the province have died from unregulated drug poisoning, with over 2,700 of those deaths occurring within the Island Health region.
To better support those working on the front lines, Island Health has been working to connect peer workers across the region to share knowledge, flag resource gaps, and distribute harm reduction supplies. The initiative aims to support the peer workforce, including connecting peers online to discuss emerging trends and harm reduction strategies.
For workers in remote areas, network connections serve as a vital early warning system. Harm reduction workers for First Nations communities in areas like Alert Bay note that such connections help their communities prepare when new toxic substances are identified in other areas. This kind of collaboration has also supported peer involvement in local healthcare projects, including a planned new treatment centre.
The focus on these networks stems from a need to address the isolation and burnout often felt by those in the field. Beth Haywood, an Island Health Peer Project Coordinator, has emphasized the importance of ensuring that peer voices are heard and supported. While the Island Health region saw a roughly 25 per cent decrease in toxic drug deaths in 2025 compared to 2024, the crisis remains a significant issue affecting many families and communities.
