Reducing stigma saves lives

Several UBC researchers are featured in a recent UBC story for their role in finding solutions to the overdose crisis. Among them is SPPH Professor, Dr. Jane Buxton. She is also the harm reduction lead at the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Dr. Buxton’s work has played a significant role in reducing the number of deaths associated with illicit drug overdoses. She developed the drug overdose and alert partnership in 2011 and was instrumental in bringing take-home naloxone kits to B.C. in 2012. An important aspect of Buxton’s work is encouraging the use of respectful, non-stigmatizing language when describing substance use disorders, addiction and people who use drugs.

Dr. Buxton teaches graduate courses in SPPH and is also the practicum director of the Masters of Public Health program. Watch Dr. Buxton speaking more about how faculty and students engage in research together to make a difference in population and public health.