Two supervised injection sites needed in city: study

published on February 7, 2017 by Doug Diaczuk in tbnewswatch

A feasibility study found that supervised injection sites in both downtown cores would benefit city.

THUNDER BAY – With high rates of injection drug use on city streets, a new study shows supervised injection sites are needed in both downtown cores.

Results of a feasibility study released Tuesday found supervised injection sites (SIS) in Thunder Bay will greatly benefit the community by reducing the transmission of infectious diseases, overdoses, and promote access to addiction treatment.

“I think these facilities constitute a win-win solution,” said Thomas Kerr, professor in faculty of medicine at University of British Columbia and research scientist at the B.C. Centre for excellence in HIV and Aids.

“Communities are safer as a result of these facilities, deal with less public disorder related to injecting and people who use drugs get the health care they need. If you are someone who is angry about discarded syringes in their neighbourhood, are tired of seeing people injecting, then you are in favour of safe infection sites.”

Kerr lead the Ontario Integrated Supervised Injection Services Feasibility Study for Thunder Bay. The study began in March, 2016 with the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy.

The study surveyed 200 people in Thunder Bay who use injection drugs and found that the majority of them support supervised injection sites.