Safer supply is a relatively new intervention aimed at addressing the overdose crisis, and research is underway to evaluate and understand the effectiveness of these programs. In fall 2022, Health Canada hosted a 3-part, virtual Knowledge Exchange Series (KES) on Safer Supply, with key stakeholders. The purpose of the KES was to hear from a range of participants on the current evidence and knowledge around safer supply, share experiences of what is or isn’t working well, and discuss how current research and knowledge can be used to design new models and services while reducing risks or unintended results from these programs.
Each session was 3 hours long and involved a mix of presentations and/or panel discussions, followed by small breakout discussion rooms. There were 20 to 30 participants at each session, with a range of invited presenters, panellists, and participants, including researchers, safer supply prescribers and clients, national drug policy organizations, and people with lived and living experience. A number of observers also attended from Health Canada’s Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply, the FPT Committee on Substance Use, the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.
This report summarizes findings from the three KES sessions, including the presentations, panel discussions, and participant discussions during the small breakout rooms.