03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Overdose Prevention Van team meet with Police and Crime Commissioner at Police Headquarters as part of tour of Country

On 14 March 2022, the Glasgow Overdose Prevention Service Van visited Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters to meet with Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn as part of its tour around the country.

The service van was set up in Glasgow in 2020, as a response to the growing overdose issue and HIV rates among people who inject drugs, in the city. In the 12 months it operated, the van facilitated over 1,000 injecting episodes, reversed multiple overdoses and subsequently saved many lives.

In partnership with Transform Drug Policy Foundation, Anyone’s Child, and Barod, the team met with Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn to show the facility, and discuss how such a harm reduction intervention operates.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said. “I was grateful for the opportunity today to meet with the Glasgow Overdose Van team at Police Headquarters, along with other organisations, to learn more about their work.

“The visit here at Headquarter today allowed us the opportunity to have a look at a unique harm reduction intervention example and to talk to experts regarding overdose prevention services.”

Dyfed-Powys Police are already currently trialling PCs carrying Nasal Spray Nyxoid in six areas within the Force area, with the aim of reducing deaths from drug overdose. The pilot is running for six months and means the officers can easily respond instantly when out on patrol.

PCC Llywelyn added: “Is it important that we look to develop targeted prevention and interventions to address overdose deaths here in Dyfed-Powys, and we need to explore a variety of opportunities by continuing discussions with organisations and partners.”

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