Chloe Goodison, the founder of NaloxHome overdose prevention training, has observed the challenges faced by students when learning how to use injectable naloxone. Many express concerns about potential errors, fear of needles, and doubts about their ability to administer the drug in an emergency situation. Despite her experience in training others over the past four years, Goodison herself prefers using a small white nasal spray, which can be easily administered through the nose to reverse an overdose.
While nasal naloxone is provided at no cost in Quebec, Ontario, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, residents of British Columbia often have to pay for it, with pharmacies in the province typically charging around $75 to $80 for a two-dose box. Goodison believes that the convenience and ease of use of nasal naloxone make it a worthwhile investment, even if it is more expensive.
Calls from politicians, experts, and harm reduction advocates have intensified for nasal naloxone to be freely accessible to everyone in British Columbia, similar to other provinces. This push has gained momentum following the tragic overdose death of student Sidney McIntyre-Starko at the University of Victoria in January 2024.
Danya Fast, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia specializing in substance use among young people, advocates for universal access to nasal naloxone as a crucial step in saving lives during the ongoing drug crisis. A pilot program launched in May 2024 saw the purchase of 60,000 nasal naloxone kits, with a focus on priority populations such as those in cold climates, youth who may witness overdoses, and Indigenous individuals.
The evaluation of the pilot program, initially set to be completed by the summer, has not been finalized, according to Health Minister Josie Osborne. Despite the delay, efforts to expand access to nasal naloxone continue to be a priority in British Columbia, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of making this life-saving tool widely available to the general public.