Pubdate: Wed, 01 Apr 2015
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Vancouver 24 hrs.
Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/letters
Website: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Ada Slivinski
Page: 5

VCH LOOKS TO ADD SUPERVISED INJECTION SERVICES

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking to increase supervised injection
services across Vancouver. The health authority's Downtown Eastside
Second Generation Health System Strategy identifies several areas for
expansion, with the overall goal being, "the creation of more
extensive and intentional harm reduction services," according to an
introductory letter from Laura Case, chief operating officer for the
Vancouver community at VCH.

Though the document states changes will be made slowly and after study
and consultation, the objective when it comes to addictions is clear:
"We will work towards having harm reduction be a core competency
across VCH-operated or contracted services."

The document states, "VCH is interested in pursuing the development of
supervised injection capacity in community health centres and other
key service locations across the DTES and Vancouver."

The document explains, "VCH supports housing and associated service
options being created in other Vancouver neighbourhoods, and across
the province, to enable choice and facilitate success for residents
who wish to leave the DTES."

The strategy also includes increasing hours at Insite, the supervised
injection site on Hastings Street, specifically opening, "earlier in
the day for this high demand period," and installing a TV in the
facility to broadcast drug alerts and contamination
information.

Anna Marie D'Angelo, a media spokeswoman for VCH, said the plan is
"all really high level," and said the public should have confidence in
harm reduction because of the studies that support it, adding, "we are
licensed professionals."
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MAP posted-by: Matt