Pubdate: Wed, 16 Nov 2016
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Sarah Petrescu
Page: A1

DRUG CONSUMPTION SITES PROPOSED

As overdose deaths climb, facilities seen as way to save lives

Victoria could see three supervised consumption sites for injection
drug users open by 2017. Island Health is proposing public sites for
Pandora Avenue and Rock Bay, and a private site in a residential
building on Johnson Street in response to an overdose-death crisis
that has killed at least 44 Victorians in 2016 so far.

The health authority plans to use $7 million out of its regular
operating budget to open the sites, as well as a potential site in
Nanaimo and mobile harm reduction services across the Island.

The public will have a chance to comment over the next two weeks on
how the sites will operate, but not whether they will exist, said the
health authority. These would be the first services of this kind on
Vancouver Island for illicit drug users. Vancouver has two sites.
Island Health is proposing three supervised consumption sites for
injection drug users in Victoria in response to an unprecedented
number of overdose deaths in the past year.

"Vancouver Island takes no comfort in being the health authority with
the highest rate of overdose deaths per capita" in B.C., said Dr.
Richard Stanwick, the health authority's chief medical health officer.

"There are potentially more people dying from overdoses than
automobile crashes. The time to take action is now."

In the first nine months of 2016, 137 people died from illicit drug
overdoses on the Island, with 44 of those deaths in Victoria,
according to the B.C. Coroners Service. There were 555 reported deaths
in B.C.

The overdose deaths were declared a public-health crisis in April.
Many have been linked to the powerful opioid fentanyl.

Under the proposal, two sites - 941 Pandora Ave. (next to Our Place
Society) and 2920 Bridge St. (near the Rock Bay Landing shelter) -
would be open to the public. They would have five to 10 booths open 9
a.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week.

"Think of a hair salon," Stanwick said. "The difference being the
individual would be provided with safe harm-reduction supplies. They
would have their own drug supply with them. They would be monitored by
someone with medical training."

There will also be a "chill out" area to make sure people don't
overdose after injecting, he said.

The third site will be at 844 Johnson St., in the former Central Care
Home, converted to housing for homeless people from the courthouse
lawn tent city when it was dismantled in August. It will be limited to
residents.

"I think it's a good idea and I think people will use it," said Ken
Prowse, who lives in the building and is not an injection drug user.

"It's better than having people out on the street."

Stanwick said he will seek $7 million out of the Island Health budget
to fund the three sites as well as a potential supervised consumption
site in Nanaimo and harm-reduction services across the Island and 31
treatment beds.

"Yes, it could mean we have to reprioritize [services] from
elsewhere," said Stanwick, adding it would be ideal if the province
chipped in. So far, Island Health plans to staff all services.

Provincial Health Minister Terry Lake asked health authorities to
submit applications for supervised consumption services for federal
exemption by the end of this year. Lake and Stanwick called for
rigorous federal requirements to be repealed because they impede
access to life-saving services.

Part of the application process is public consultation. From now until
Dec. 2 the public can provide feedback to Island Health through its
website and two meetings next week at city hall and a Rock Bay church.

Stanwick noted the consultation will not decide whether the sites will
exist, but rather how they can best fit in the community.

Jane Butler McGregor, chief executive officer of the Victoria
Conservatory of Music, said she plans to attend the meetings. The
music school is between both of the proposed sites downtown and has
had increasing safety concerns for students.

"We understand that safe consumption sites in this neighbourhood are
intended to improve the safety and health of this most vulnerable
addicted population," she said.

"However, it is crucial there also be funded recognition that public
safety for everyone in this neighbourhood be of paramount concern
including the businesses and residents who are paying taxes that help
pay for these addiction and social services."

The Society of Living Illicit Drug users reissued a list of demands
for response to the overdose crisis, highlighting the need for interim
crisis funding.

"It could take six months to a year before we see any of these
proposed services come into effect," said Jack Phillips, one of
several society staff collecting and distributing illicit drug
materials around the city each day.

"There is an incredible burden on community service providers right
now to everyday do what any caring human would do to save lives. We
need more help."

Stanwick said he hopes the application for the supervised consumption
services will be approved and operating in 2017.

The federal government has not given a timeline for the approval
process, but one submitted for Montreal is in its sixth month.
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