Pubdate: Tue, 06 Jan 2004
Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal (Canada)
Copyright: 2004 Canadian Medical Association
Contact:  http://www.cmaj.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/754
Author: Heather Kent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?142 (Safe Injecting Rooms)

Addiction Medicine

FIRST INJECTION SITE ALMOST AT CAPACITY

Vancouver -- Vancouver's much-anticipated safe injection site (SIS), the 
first in North America, was nearly at full capacity less than 3 months 
after opening Sept. 15. Site staff are supervising an average of 450 
injections daily; full capacity is 600 visits (see CMAJ 2003; 169 [8}: 
759-63). There are an estimated 4000 injection drug users in the city's 
Downtown Eastside.

Mark Townsend of the Portland Hotel Society, which runs the SIS with the 
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, says initial fears that patrolling 
police officers and security cameras would deter drug users have proved 
unfounded. He also attributes the high usage to the experienced staff, 
extensive street-level and word-of-mouth publicity prior to the opening.

So far, 25 users have experienced adverse reactions on site and required 
assistance. At least 33 users have been referred to detoxification 
services. Nurses are also carrying out a lot of wound and other basic 
medical care.

Townsend says he hopes that the SIS's 3-year research project will answer 
questions about the site's early success. Meanwhile, in the short term, he 
would like to see extended hours, a second location and more detoxification 
facilities.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman