iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Are you into activism? All about education? Do you like planning events? Or being part of a social media team? There's something for everyone at the VIU HRA! Come out to our first meeting of the year and see how you can make a difference in our community 💜

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Join us to learn how to respond to an opioid poisoning at the VIU Naloxone Training Workshop ! This workshop will be co-facilitated by Island Health and First Nations Health Authority, and will have an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives and community care. Open to students and employees 💜

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Reposted by Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance

Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

It was lovely to chat with Lenae Silva about her experience and upcoming art exhibition at @viuniversity.bsky.social organized by @viuhra.bsky.social.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

More about Toss the Boss: Why should you donate to our team?? Because our prof is scared of heights! Our goal is to raise awareness about Anoxic Brain Injury. For every one fatal drug poisoning death, there are at least 15 non-fatal events. Every one of those is at risk for this type of injury.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Even if someone survives an overdose, lasting damage can be done. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long, an anoxic brain injury can happen. Knowing how to spot the signs and support someone properly can really help their recovery! Please consider donating to this fantastic fundraiser!

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Especially now, it's important to think critically about what is fact and what is opinion. News outlets often include different voices, but that doesn't mean that one loud politician's opinion carries the same weight as a highly trained expert. For medical issues trust the medical experts. #drugsky

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Join us on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 12-2 pm in the VIU Quad as we come together to grieve, remember, and honour those we have lost to the Toxic Drug Crisis. 💜🕯️

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

How much do you know about harm reduction? Swing by and visit us to learn all about it, grab some pamphlets and get some supplies. We will be outside the library until 1 today! #VIUNanaimo #vancouverislanduniversity #nanaimo #harmreduction

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

We had such a good time at the last Overdose Response event that we decided to do it again- this time with the added benefit of a FREE LUNCH! 🥳 All are welcome, no sign up required. If you need assistance finding parking or locating the room, please send a message and we will help 🫶

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

Curious about harm reduction? Interested in getting involved? Join us at our next meeting! We'll be meeting tomorrow, February 11th, from 12:30-2:00pm in Building 180, Room 136. Refreshments will be provided, and all VIU students, staff, and faculty are welcome!

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

Earlier this week we sent a letter to Island Health in response to their treatment of Dr. Wilder following her harm reduction advocacy work. If our health authority is more willing to take action based on politics than academic research then we are all in trouble. Our community deserves better. 🧵

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Reposted by Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance

Jenny Kats @jkats.ca · 05/02/2025

Take a minute to read this letter from MSTH's Wanda Leblanc about the impossible situation Nanaimo's unhoused population faces during winter weather. Why is it left to volunteers to support them? Over 100 people were at Risebridge today. @power1312.bsky.social @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social

policeoversight.ca

A Mother's Letter to the City of Nanaimo

Amid an island snowfall, one mother shares her concerns for the community

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Check out this upcoming webinar hosted by @hrna.bsky.social featuring Dr. Wilder from @docs4saferdrugs.bsky.social "Saving Lives is Not Controversial: A Conversation with Doctors for Safer Drug Policy" To register, click here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

For anyone who was planning to attend tomorrow's meeting, it's been rescheduled for next week (same time and place). Interested in hearing about upcoming meetings and events? Join our mailing list 💌

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

It's true, there really is a gap between public perception and the actual reality with OAT. So happy to hear you're comfortable educating people about it, that makes a difference 💜🙌

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

From the archives (originally posted on our Instagram page). As learners, this is how you can start to change minds. It's about planting seeds 🌱 #harmreduction #harmreductionsaveslives #challengestereotypes #challengemisinformation

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

We are proud to be supporting this awesome project. Check out the article! 💜

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

If you want to learn more, join us for our next training session. Dates tbd, but definitely let us know if you are interested!

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Be mindful of the fact that we don’t always know what is in street drugs. There may be benzos mixed in, so naloxone might restore breathing but not consciousness. Sign up for alerts and check in with local drug-checking services to have a better idea of what you are dealing with in your area.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Don’t jump the gun. You might find someone who looks like they’ve gone down but are actually just exhausted or unwell for other reasons. Sometimes checking on someone and repositioning them for comfort and blood flow is enough.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Consent! When putting your hands on someone in any way, even if you’re not sure if they are conscious, always tell them what you are doing and why. When they regain consciousness, tell them what actions you've taken. This is so important.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

For example, if you are in a scenario where no withdrawal is expected (example, a party drug that unexpectedly contained opioids) then nasal naloxone may be a better option. But if withdrawal symptoms are possible, injectable naloxone can be more compassionate and equally effective.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

There is a difference in potency between nasal naloxone and injectable naloxone, and your decision about which to use can depend on a few things.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Nasal naloxone is now available on campus and in residences! Previously, we only had access to the injectable kits, which can sometimes be a barrier for some folks, including our younger student population. A big thankyou to the folks at UVic with the #SidneyShouldBeHere campaign for this.

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for our overdose response training event last night. It was a packed room! We appreciate Shannon Witham for sharing her knowledge with us 💜 Here are a few things that we learned 👇🧵 #overdoseresponsetraining #harmreductionsaveslives

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

REMINDER about tomorrow's free Overdose Response Training event! We meant it when we said that it's open to everyone. For folks who aren't familiar with VIU, here is some info to help you navigate your way there. Parking on campus isn't free. If this is a barrier, let us know and we will help 💜

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Reposted by Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance

Jenny Kats @jkats.ca · 20/01/2025

So proud of our friends at @docs4saferdrugs.bsky.social for opening an OPS at Comox Valley today! You are doing such important work for your community and our island 💜💜💜 #hospitalOPS #harmreduction #overdoseprevention

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Vancouver Island University's Harm Reduction Alliance @viuhra.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

Hey #Nanaimo, come out and join us to learn how to respond to an overdose. Time is critical. Be prepared! Everyone is welcome 🫶

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