Pubdate: Wed, 30 Nov 2016
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Authors: Matthew Burnett, [et al.]

FRONT-LINE WORKERS SUPPORT SAFE INJECTION SITES

To the editor:

Interior Health is proposing Safe Injection Facilities (SIF) in
Kelowna and Kamloops.

We, health professionals, community leaders, academics, and front line
workers who live in Kelowna, are writing to support SIFs in our
communities.

SIFs save lives: Peer-reviewed studies show that fatal overdoses in
areas served by an 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, SIF facilities 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 Kelownians to see the opportunity for SIF
facilities 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
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MAP posted-by: Matt