Pubdate: Wed, 16 Mar 2016
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 The Calgary Sun
Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Reid Southwick
Page: 12

CALGARY NOT LIKELY AS SAFE INJECTION SITE

Support for supervised injection sites appears to be growing in big
Canadian cities, but don't expect one in Calgary any time soon.

Advocates for programs that reduce the harms of drug abuse say
Edmonton will likely become the first Alberta city with a supervised
site for injecting drugs, following a study that identified demand
there.

"The fact that there hasn't been a lot of movement in Calgary is
largely because of political will, and NIMBY, and the ongoing
misconception that addiction is a choice, rather than a chronic
disease," said Leslie Hill, executive director of HIV Community Link.

Proponents say safe injection sites prevent overdoses and the spread
of blood-born diseases by providing users with a safe, clean space to
inject their drugs under supervision.

There are two of these sites in Canada, both in Vancouver, though
Montreal is seeking approval of four locations while three health
agencies in Toronto are planning small-scale operations.

Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said her government is reviewing
evidence in favour of supervised injection services, though she
doesn't expect to be making decisions in the short term.

"We will be looking at the evidence and working with our community
partners to figure out, if we are going to move forward, where the
best places might be for supervised consumption," Hoffman said.

Any proposed site would ultimately have to be secure final approval
from Ottawa.

Calgary has been grappling with a massive fentanyl crisis, with 81
fatal overdoses in the city last year.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt