The British Columbia provincial flag waves on a flagpole in Ottawa on Friday, July 3, 2020. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
A Vancouver Island doctor has stepped down from her position at Island Health after being placed on administrative leave for helping set up unauthorized overdose prevention sites outside hospitals. Dr. Jess Wilder, a strong advocate for harm reduction, claims her suspension is a response to her public activism.
Doctor Resigns Amid Overdose Prevention Site Controversy
Dr. Wilder, a co-founder of Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, submitted her resignation on February 5, stating she was leaving her roles with Island Health immediately. She had been on leave since January 22 from her leadership roles in harm reduction and addiction medicine at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
In a letter to colleagues, Wilder said she was placed on leave while under investigation for "alleged accusations" linked to her public advocacy. She insisted that she would still continue her clinical work with patients. However, she declined to discuss details of the investigation, instead referring inquiries to Island Health officials.
Unauthorized Overdose Sites Spark Tension
Doctors for Safer Drug Policy launched unapproved overdose prevention sites at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital in November 2024. The group aimed to push the government into fulfilling its commitment to addressing drug use in medical settings.
Island Health responded by reaffirming its commitment to harm reduction, stating that its addiction services are run by expert physicians dedicated to patient care. The health authority denied punishing Wilder, explaining that administrative leave ensures continued pay during an ongoing investigation.
Wilder Stands Firm on Advocacy
In her resignation letter, Wilder defended her actions, stating that advocating for better drug policies is an essential part of a physician’s duty. She criticized the medical community for being too silent on harm reduction issues and urged doctors to speak up for policies that protect patients.
“For too long, physicians have been shamefully silent on these matters," she wrote. "We owe it to our patients to fight for the tools and policies that keep them safe."
Despite stepping down, Wilder vowed to remain on the front lines of the crisis, continuing to push for evidence-based, compassionate care.
