I am sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable “increasing awareness and education for staff, faculty, and students on overdose prevention and response”.
Work on this deliverable centers on providing health promotion and harm reduction resources and initiatives across BCIT. By recognizing the integral role of wellbeing in student success, this work contributes to a more inclusive and resilient campus environment that supports both academic success and holistic well-being.
To advance this initiative, from February to August 2025 we delivered 29 presentations and information sessions on naloxone training, overdose response, and substance use health. We also presented to multiple Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees across BCIT—opening opportunities for further collaboration across the Institute.
We also hosted 7 tabling events between January and September 2025 where we distributed 47 naloxone kits, with presentations distributing an additional 260 kits. 259 fentanyl test strips were accessed through multiple campus distribution points.
In addition, we’ve also made free take-home naloxone kits available at all BCIT Campus Security offices, and the BCIT Overdose Prevention website has been updated to include expanded resources and training opportunities.
Looking ahead, A continued focus on presentations, naloxone training, and tabling events will ensure staff, faculty, and students have ongoing access to harm reduction education. The Healthier Substance Use and Harm Reduction Working Group continues to meet regularly, which now includes student representation to guide upcoming programming.
We encourage faculty, staff, and students to participate in naloxone training sessions and to access harm reduction resources available across BCIT campuses.
Thank you,
Joanna Angelidis
Commitment: Transforming teaching and learning
Initiatives:
- Holistic student development
- Comprehensive student engagement and support
Deliverable: Increase awareness and education for staff, faculty, and students on overdose prevention and response by means of health promotion and harm reduction resources and initiatives.