Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jul 2016
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author: Kevin Diakiw
Page: A1

SURREY MAYOR RETHINKING HARM REDUCTION STRATEGY

A flood of overdoses in Whalley has Linda Hepner considering providing
safe consumption sites for drug users

Rocked by more than 40 drug overdoses in Whalley over the weekend,
Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner is reconsidering a long-standing stance in
the city around harm reduction.

There were 43 overdoses in North Surrey over the weekend, much of them
a result of fentanyl-laced crack cocaine.

Fraser Health Authority (FHA) is now issuing warnings to mitigate the
dangers of lethal fentanyl and its powerful cousin, W-18, of which
little is known.

Hepner was deeply concerned over the number of overdoses in Whalley
and said several things need to be ushered into place in order to save
lives.

Among them, she said, is the possibility of supervised "safe
consumption" sites where people could use illegal drugs in relative
safety.

Surrey has long looked at Vancouver with disapproval over its safe
injection sites and has said no such thing would be coming here.

However, Hepner said Monday it might be time to consider something
like that for Surrey. However, she still disapproves of the
"stand-alone" facilities in Vancouver.

The Surrey services would be provided at homeless shelters and would
offer a safe place and supports for people to get away from the
addictive lifestyle should they become ready.

"Is there a space within the vulnerable population, say a shelter,
where we could have what I would call a 'safe consumption site?' "
Hepner asked, adding it would also include those who are injecting
drugs.

"Some element of safety and consumption has got to happen, or we're
going to see a lot of … I mean, we are lucky there are no deaths so
far," Hepner said.

The fact she is open to the possibility of harm reduction sites
represents a quantum shift in Surrey's stance on this issue.

The mayor said she would insist the proper support services are there
for people using the sites.

"I would hope that it would be in line with getting out of that
lifestyle altogether," Hepner said. "When it's not, a more educated
piece on how to be safe within our shelters and on the street."

Hepner said it's early planning and all the details are not all known
yet. She also noted she is only speaking for herself, not council as a
whole.

"I think the majority of my council is still against injection sites,"
Hepner said. "It's not a matter that has come before us."

She said she's been asked by FHA to come up with a short-term plan to
address the increasing drug dangers.

That could include having life-saving naloxone available to everyone
who can use it, including the opiate user.

When administered, naloxone temporarily nullifies the effects of
opioids, such as fentanyl and heroin.

Hepner also wants more education for people who use at
home.

The bottom line of any policy adjustments in this regard is saving
lives, Hepner said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt