The city of Vancouver and the broader harm reduction community are in mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of Trey Helten, a 32-year-old harm reduction advocate, community organizer, and manager at Vancouver’s Overdose Prevention Society (OPS). Trey’s unexpected death has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lives of the countless individuals he helped over the years. Known for his compassion, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to saving lives, Trey’s passing has reverberated across the city, leaving a community deeply shaken.
Trey Helten was not just a staff member at OPS; he was the heart and soul of the organization. His personal journey of transformation—from addiction to recovery—shaped his deep empathy and unwavering dedication to those who found themselves at the mercy of Vancouver’s opioid crisis. Trey’s ability to connect with people who were often disregarded or ignored by society was a gift that set him apart. Through his work, he brought hope, care, and an unshakable belief in the possibility of recovery to those who needed it the most.
From Struggle to Strength: A Journey of Redemption
Trey’s story was one of profound transformation. Having battled addiction to heroin and methamphetamine in his younger years, he understood the painful realities of life on the streets, particularly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside—an area deeply impacted by the opioid crisis. His journey was not just about overcoming addiction; it was about finding purpose and giving back to the community that had once helped him survive. His personal struggles were not only part of his life story but also the foundation for his work in harm reduction.
From the very neighborhoods where he once fought for survival, Trey emerged as a leader, a mentor, and a passionate advocate. His recovery was not just about conquering his demons but about using his experience to lift others and fight for a better, more compassionate approach to addiction and recovery. Trey became a voice for the voiceless and a lifeline for individuals who had been left behind by traditional systems of care.
A Life of Service: Harm Reduction as a Calling
Trey’s work in harm reduction wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. As a manager at OPS, Trey was deeply involved in every aspect of the organization’s work. Whether it was distributing clean supplies, training volunteers in overdose response, or mentoring individuals in recovery, Trey was always on the front lines, showing up day after day with compassion, strength, and a commitment to helping others. His dedication went far beyond administrative tasks; he embodied the core principles of harm reduction, which prioritize the health, safety, and dignity of individuals who use substances.
As a key figure in OPS’s mission, Trey was involved in providing vital services, including overdose prevention, access to clean needles, and mental health support. His work helped countless individuals survive, recover, and regain a sense of dignity. He was the first to respond in moments of crisis, offering his assistance without hesitation. To those who knew him, Trey was the person who always stepped up when needed, the one who cared the most when others turned away.
Trey’s ability to engage with individuals from all walks of life, from those entrenched in addiction to those working in policy and advocacy, was one of his greatest strengths. He had an innate ability to meet people where they were, never judging them for their past or their struggles but instead offering them a path forward. His approach was simple yet powerful: love and compassion were the tools he used to help others find hope.
A Heroic Moment: Christmas Day Saving a Life
One of the many stories that exemplify Trey’s unwavering commitment to saving lives happened on Christmas Day, a day when most people were celebrating with their families. While others were resting, Trey and his OPS colleagues were out on the streets, doing the work that needed to be done. On that day, they encountered a man who was experiencing a fatal overdose. Without a second thought, Trey and his team administered Naloxone, the life-saving opioid reversal drug. The man had stopped breathing, but thanks to Trey’s quick actions, he was given a second chance at life. This moment, though not widely publicized, serves as just one of many examples of the countless lives Trey touched through his actions.
His heroism was not always about making headlines; it was about the quiet moments of care and compassion. For every life saved, there were many more that were changed because of his selfless dedication to the work. Trey’s legacy was not defined by the recognition he received, but by the profound impact he had on the lives of the individuals he served.
A Voice for Change: Advocacy and Public Speaking
In addition to his hands-on work with OPS, Trey was also an outspoken advocate for harm reduction and the broader issues of addiction, mental health, and social justice. He frequently spoke at public forums, attended city meetings, and worked alongside health officials to push for policy changes that would improve the lives of those affected by addiction. Trey’s advocacy was rooted in his personal experience, which gave his voice a level of authenticity and authority that was impossible to ignore.
He was never afraid to challenge the status quo, speaking truth to power on issues such as safe supply, the decriminalization of drugs, and the expansion of supervised consumption sites. Trey understood that addiction was a public health issue, not a moral failing, and he fought to ensure that the voices of those affected by addiction were heard in the halls of power.
Trey’s advocacy was not just about changing laws; it was about changing the way society viewed addiction and the people who suffer from it. He worked tirelessly to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use and to promote a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to addiction recovery. His work helped shift the narrative around addiction from one of shame and punishment to one of empathy, care, and support.
Community Mourns: A Loss That Will Be Felt for Years to Come
Trey’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver community. Friends, colleagues, and individuals who benefited from his work have all expressed their grief and disbelief at his untimely death. A memorial wall at OPS has become a place for people to leave flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in his honor. Social media tributes have poured in from those whose lives Trey impacted, with many sharing stories of his kindness, wisdom, and tireless dedication.
The Vancouver harm reduction community has come together in mourning, holding vigils and support circles to share memories of Trey and reflect on the deep loss they have suffered. Despite the sadness, many of those who knew Trey have expressed a resolve to continue his work and to honor his memory by carrying on the fight for harm reduction and social justice.
A Legacy of Compassion: The Path Forward
While Trey’s death is a tremendous loss, his legacy is one of hope, healing, and transformation. The best way to honor Trey is not only through remembrance but through continued action. His work in harm reduction, his advocacy for social justice, and his dedication to helping those most in need must continue. Trey’s life and work serve as a reminder that, no matter the challenges, the fight for compassion and dignity must always be at the forefront.
In the coming weeks and months, those who knew Trey will continue his work by advocating for the causes that he held dear. Whether it’s through providing harm reduction services, pushing for policy changes, or simply offering kindness to those who need it most, Trey’s influence will continue to shape the community and inspire others to take up the mantle.
Trey Helten’s passing leaves a void, but his legacy is one that will never be forgotten. His work saved lives, and his commitment to the betterment of his community will continue to inspire others to serve with humility, love, and compassion. As we remember Trey, let us carry forward his spirit of service and make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
Trey’s work was not just about survival—it was about thriving, and that is the greatest gift he gave to so many. His legacy lives on in every life he touched and in every person who continues to fight for a more just, compassionate world.
