The unregulated drug crisis in BC is a catastrophic public health emergency. Over 6 people die each day from unregulated drugs, many clustered in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). Safe consumption sites (SCS) are an evidence-based intervention that have generated relatively widespread public support; however, support for SCS is comparatively low in the neighborhood that borders the DTES – historic Chinatown. Older residents of Chinatown have been systematically overlooked by decision makers during consultations about SCS implementation and most information resources are only available in English.
This project aims to address these gaps in partnership with Yarrow Intergenerational Society. Drawing from key literature on SCS, including a 2023 systematic review of qualitative studies on SCS co-authored by the project researcher, we will deliver Chinese-language in-person workshops and take-home-factsheets to engage with older Chinatown residents about their attitudes and beliefs related to SCS. We aim to: provide culturally appropriate public health education; promote knowledge of the evidence-based benefits of SCS; and, foster mutual understanding and solidarity between Chinatown residents and people who use drugs in the DTES.