![Five people stand in VIU's Health and Science Centre during a media conference.](https://news.viu.ca/sites/default/files/styles/news_detail/public/harmcheck9-resize.jpg?itok=4ArSC9Wg)
From left, Armin Saatchi, VIU graduate student; Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum; Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; Dr. Chris Gill, Co-Director of the Applied Environmental Research Laboratories; and Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor attend the BC Provincial announcement about HarmCheck funding. Vancouver Island University Photo.
August 17, 2021 - 1:30pm
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is excited to share the news that the provincial government is providing $305,000 for HarmCheck – a cutting-edge drug-checking technology that was developed at VIU.
It uses high-throughput paper spray mass spectrometry to provide rapid drug-checking and can be used on-site as a harm reduction method. HarmCheck is a collaboration between VIU and the Victoria-based Vancouver Island Drug Checking Project. The funding will support setup costs, site upgrades and research staff.
For more information, please see the BC Government news release.
![Test tube containers in a blue bin.](https://news.viu.ca/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_full/public/harmcheck16-resize_1.jpg?itok=6exN55EG×tamp=1629231118)
“This has the potential to support and boost harm-reduction strategies and save lives,” says Dr. Chris Gill, Co-Director of the Applied Environmental Research Laboratories.
Tags: Chemistry | Community Engagement | Research | Announcements