Pubdate: Tue, 29 Nov 2016 Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2016 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers Contact: http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531 Authors: Matthew Burnett, [et al] Page: A8 SAFE DRUG SITES HELP SAVE LIVES To the editor: Interior Health is proposing Safe Injection Facilities (SIF) in Kelowna and Kamloops. We, health professionals, community leaders, academics, and frontline workers who live in Kelowna, are writing to support SIFs in our communities. Safe Injection Facilities save lives. Peer-reviewed studies show that fatal overdoses in areas served by a SIF decrease by close to 50 per cent. SIFs do not increase street crime; in fact, reliable studies show that they correlate with a significant decrease in vehicle-break in. SIFs do not lead to higher rates of illicit drug use, and, because users come in contact with health care workers, SIFs allow more drug users to access rehabilitation and other support services. Relapse rates go down, crime goes down, disease transmission goes down, and, most importantly, lives are saved. We understand that there is discomfort with providing a space for people to engage in behaviour that some find morally objectionable. However, we urge our fellow Kelownaites to see the opportunity for SIFs to help illicit drug users transition to healthier, safer, more productive lives. Ultimately, we want to save lives. Dr. Matthew Burnett, registered psychologist Dr. Michael V. Smith, university professor Sheila Kerr, Harm Reduction and Outreach worker Dr. Ruthann Lee, university professor Mitch Walker, MA, criminologist Dr. Ann McKinnon, college professor Katharine Lewall, MSW, social worker Clare McDonald, executive director, Living Positive Resource Centre Wilbur Turner, director, board of Living Positive Resource Centre Dr. Norah Bowman, college professor - --- MAP posted-by: Matt