The Downtown Eastside: Social Medicine Pioneers
The Downtown Eastside is one of the most well-known at-risk neighbourhoods in the world and is located in the lower East Chinatown area of Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
Despite having the distinction of being the lowest income postal code in the country, the Downtown Eastside has a rich community history.
Over the last 30 years, it has emerged as a pioneer in terms of social medical and cultural support for the at-risk homeless people who are a part of every urban centre in the world today.
The Downtown Eastside is home to over 300 different agencies and it has been estimated that our community invests up to $600 million in annual funding support and services.
A Rich History of Innovation
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority estimates over 6 000 at-risk individuals reside in Downtown Eastside. 65% are housed in shelters or single resident occupancy units, while the remaining are without consistent residence and either live on the street in tents or random spaces throughout the area. The Downtown Eastside has a rich history of research and innovation with notable programs such as:
Being the only clinic in North America to offer medical-grade heroin and legal analgesic hydromorphone, Providence Crosstown Clinic helps patients who are dealing with chronic substance abuse. It has a on-site pharmacy that provides prescription injectable opiates based on every client’s need.
INSITE - CANADA'S FIRST STANDALONE SAFE INJECTION LOCATION
InSite is a legally-operating, supervised injection site that takes a harm reduction approach to help people struggling with drug addiction. It allows addicted individuals to inject drugs on-site under the watchful eye of nurses, leading to reductions in their injecting behaviour.
Pier Health Resource Centre provides comprehensive medication management solutions to Downtown Eastside residents to help them live a quality life. Their team of pharmacy technicians offers assistance at the clinic as well as at any outreach support in a shelter or SRO.
CONNECTIONS LOW BARRIER ADDICTIONS CLINIC
Downtown Eastside Connections Clinic is a drop-in treatment centre dedicated to helping those individuals who are dealing with drug addiction and are unable to access mainstream services. Patients are provided opioid substitution therapy under the supervision of a knowledgeable medical expert.
ATIRA Women’s Resource Society is a not-for-profit organization that provides housing to women and children in the Lower Mainland. With a goal to break down the barriers, it is accessible to all women, including those who are struggling with substance abuse, mental illnesses, and chronic health issues.
Harbor Light Substance Use Disorder Treatment facility helps adults suffering from drug abuse with medically supported acute withdrawal management programs. The detox is delivered in a clean, safe, and non-judgmental environment, helping patients rebuild their emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual health.