More than 125 people have utilized Manitoba’s first safe consumption site during its inaugural week.
Located at 366 Henry Ave., the concept sparked a stark divide between some who viewed it as a valuable harm reduction tool and others who believed it would promote drug use and negatively impact the surrounding neighbourhood.
For one outreach organization, the addition has been effective so far.
“It’s going well, people are using the site,” says Main Street Project executive director Jamil Mamood.
The province has stressed since the opening date of the site was first floated that it’s not a location where drugs would be provided. Instead, users bring their own products and can take them and be supported should issues arise.
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Still, some believe the site is part of an approach by the province that’s far too lenient.
That includes Joseph Fourre with the Singing Red Bear Foundation, an organization aimed at raising drug poisoning awareness.
“I’ve always talked about a balanced approach to the opioid crisis and part of that is treatment, part of that is enforcement, and part of that is public awareness,” explains Fourre. “None of those other three pillars are being activated in this province. They put all their cards on harm reduction and, in my opinion, it’s only prolonged the agony of addiction.”
When utilizing the site, the province says users can access primary health care and addictions and housing supports.
The consumption site is being run by the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre. No one from the organization was available for an interview, but a statement was provided to Global News.
“Throughout its first full week of operation, the site provided immediate access to crucial harm reduction resources, including the successful administration of on-site drug checking services. Beyond the immediate medical benefits, the facility has quickly established itself as a trusted environment for vulnerable individuals.”
The statement goes on to say the work has been a collaborative effort between government, sector agencies and first responders.
According to the city, this April saw 810 emergency responses to drug poisonings. That’s more than triple the amount in the same time period last year.
Waste of money!
I agree with Mr. Fourre completely. Enabling those in the grip of addiction only keeps them trapped in an endless cycle with no hope. Facilities like this provide zero incentive to stop using drugs and only serve to prolong the suffering of individuals.
Homelessness and drug use / addiction, have become big business. Too much money being made for people to stop it.
there has to be a better option , than to enable addicted people.
Close monitoring of individuals using the site is a must. If the site just becomes a place to mainly do drugs; then it’s a waste of money. Of course all of the organizations running the safe consumption site are going to say it’s working; cus it means money and jobs for them. It’s like the millions going into all these organizations getting outreach funding but they are nowhere to be found on the streets working with addicts. The old question arises; who is watching the watchers? Proper and stringent monitoring of the costs of reducing addictions is imperative! Otherwise is just a big political shell game. Millions spent and very little results except for growing a big fat bureaucracy!
sad you can openly do drugs when its illegal. city police should shut it down and charge everyone using drugs at that site
Yes, cause those places have done wonders for other provinces…*slow clap*