In 2020, 1767 people died from illicit drug toxicity. In 2021, the number of drug toxicity deaths rose to 2224. These numbers are shocking, and the scale of almost 4000 lives lost in just two years is unimaginable for most. Overdoses are a daily reality for those living and working in Vancouver's downtown east side. Overdose prevention sites are one of the few important tools we have at the moment to limit the amount of needless and avoidable death.

Currently, the overdose prevention sites in Vancouver are only open as late as 11 pm. The fact that there isn't an OPS available 24 hours a day is not only harmful, but potentially deadly to the community of people who use drugs. We are demanding that the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health instate an OPS that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the continuing drug poisoning crisis, it is all too clear that people are dying as a direct result of limited hours of operation. We must have around the clock access. Overdoses are not slowing down, and these the importance of these spaces can not be overstated.

The Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug war and the undersigned are committed to a change in public policy, safety, and empowerment for people who use drugs. Let's keep our friends, families, co workers, and community members here as long as possible.