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Substance Use Health & Harm Reduction

In response to the reality of substance use (alcohol, cannabis, and other substances), UBC is taking steps to understand the impacts, reduce possible harm, and create a campus community of care that supports the health and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff who use substances. Units, departments, and groups across the university are working in collaboration with community partners to develop harm reduction strategies and resources that meet the needs of the UBC community.  

To learn more about the plans and policies that guide and inform substance use health and harm reduction work at UBC visit, 
 
UBC Vancouver Student Substance Use Plan
UBC Alcohol Policy 
UBC Cannabis on Campus FAQs 
UBC Smoking/Vaping Policy
Smoke-and-Vape-Free Areas 

If you are UBC student, faculty or staff looking to find help, support someone in need, or learn more about how to connect with teams supporting harm reduction on campus, please refer to the resources below.  

Resources for Students 
UBC VANCOUVER CAMPUS 

Student Services – Substance use health & harm reduction

Information about harm reduction supplies, test strips, drug checking, naloxone, peer support groups, professional supports, and other resources. 

Student Services – Alcohol, Cannabis and Nicotine

Information about commonly used substances and harm reduction tips and recommendations, along with peer support and professional supports available.  

Wellbeing Training and Education

A range of in-person and virtual learning options about harm reduction, safer substance use and responding to accidental drug poisoning. UBC students, staff, faculty, and student groups are invited to book workshops, activities, booths, and events organized by the Health Promotion and Education Team online here. 

First Aid for the Toxic Drug Supply Canvas Course

Learn what is happening with the illegal drug supply in BC and safer use of substances, harm reduction, as well what to do if you see accidental drug poisoning and how to help through the First Aid for the Toxic Drug Supply Canvas course. 

UBC Wellness Centre 

Follow the UBC Wellness Centre on Instagram for resources and information to support safer use of substances or connect with them by phone at 604 822 8450 or submit a question online here

 
UBC OKANAGAN CAMPUS 

Harm Reduction Team (HaRT)

A Campus Wellness & Education initiative collaborating with community partners to promote lower-risk substance use and provide harm reduction supplies, drug-checking, naloxone training, workshops and more.  

The Wellness Centre: Online

24/7 access to self-care modules and resources that include sessions with nurses, counsellors, and peers, wellness tips, community connections, and support. 

Student Wellness

Various supports for students, including links to the Student Wellness Clinic, counseling services, and more.  

UBCO Campus Wellness & Education Instagram

Follow for resources and information to support your health and wellbeing, including safer substance use, at UBC Okanagan campus.  

Resources for Faculty & Staff
ALL CAMPUSES 

UBC Human Resources– Substance use & addiction support resources

Resources for faculty and staff at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, including counseling services, community resources, help lines and support groups.  

Professional development for staff, faculty, and TA’s to support student wellbeing

UBC staff, faculty and TAs are invited to book workshops, activities, booths, and events organized by the Health Promotion and Education Team online here

 
UBC OKANAGAN CAMPUS 

Harm Reduction Team (HaRT)

A Campus Wellness & Education initiative collaborating with community partners to promote lower-risk substance use and provide harm reduction supplies, drug-checking, naloxone training, workshops and more.  

Get Involved
UBC VANCOUVER CAMPUS 

Substance Use Education Community of Practice  

Members representing key units and organizations across UBC Vancouver who collaborate on ongoing substance use education for students. To learn more, email wellness.centre@ubc.ca


UBC OKANAGAN CAMPUS 

Campus Wellness HaRT

Opportunities to get involved in dialogue helping to raise awareness, combat stigma and change the way addiction and recovery are understood in post-secondary settings and beyond. To learn more, email harm.reduction@ubc.ca or visit @campushealthubco on Instagram.  

 

We all have a hand in shaping campus environments that support health, wellbeing, and sustainability. By championing wellbeing, we can build stronger and more inclusive communities at UBC and beyond.