FDS Insight Newsletter Jul-Sep 2020

38 closing, many others have changed the ways that they operate to continue providing essential services. MAPs could be provided alongside important social distancing practices, via volunteer deliveries for example. It is important to stress that MAPs can be staffed by those already working in the field, and in services already being provided. Compassion and a non- judgemental approach are essential here, as the main purpose is to try to reduce harm, not change people. MAPs are intended to reduce harm not change people. Shutterstock As a starting point, participants for a MAP should be confirmed as alcohol dependent. Then a drinking plan can be developed collaboratively between an individual, service staff and clinicians. This would usually state the person’s preferred alcohol type, daily dose, frequency, and how wider health and social care needs are to be addressed. Specialist medical advice could either be provided on site or, in the current situation, virtually. There are additional key components which would need to be implemented if MAPs were to work in the longer term, rather than as a response to the current pandemic, such as helping people to develop new life skills, social and community connections, and the capacity to exit MAPs, should they wish to move on. Any new MAPs put in place as an urgent response to COVID-19 must also involve careful planning for after lockdown, to ensure that people are not put at greater risk when they leave the service. The message from our research is clear. MAPs are necessary in Scotland and should be included as part of a system of care to reduce alcohol-related harm among one of our most vulnerable groups. In the current pandemic, the introduction of MAPs has the potential to reduce risks of virus infection and transmission by providing more stability and helping people with the safer management and supply of alcohol. This way no one is forced to break lockdowns to manage dangerous withdrawal. This will be something we will be examining in our new research project on managed alcohol programmes in the context of COVID- 19 in Scotland. T. Parkes, H. Carver & T. Browne, University of Stirling (6/5/20) §§§ J UMP IN OVERDOSE DEATHS IN V ANCOUVER HIGHLIGHTS TWO HEALTH EMERGENCIES IN CITY he city says in a statement that police responded to eight suspected overdose deaths last week, the highest number since last August. A recent spike of overdose deaths in Vancouver is an important reminder there are two ongoing public health emergencies, the city says as the province grapples with the rollout of a safe supply of drugs for users. T