Squamish’s new overdose prevention site (OPS) is a welcome addition to our community.
In fact, it is long overdue.
The opioid crisis, which has claimed 1,202 B.C. lives this year as of the end of September, is a massive health crisis.
We have lost far too many in this town to the toxic drug supply. Too many chairs of our children, sisters, brothers, spouses, and friends sit empty at the table.
The BC Coroners Service reports that 2020 is on track to be the worst year for overdose deaths in B.C.’s history.
This new temporary facility will save lives by allowing people who use drugs to do so under the supervision of trained staff and peers who will intervene if drug poisoning — overdose — happens.
No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites in B.C., according to the Coroners Service. None.
Rumours and misinformation about the local site have been swirling in town for months.
The Chief asked the powers that be to confirm the site, but until the presentation at council Tuesday, they refused.
That is part of the problem, in our view. There’s a lack of information, education and transparency, which breeds misinformation.
These sites are part of caring for our community. Just look at Insite in Vancouver, which was North America’s first legal (and permanent) supervised consumption site. It has been studied ad nauseam since it opened in 2003 and proves lives are saved.
Those who historically oppose such harm reduction initiatives, often say that people shouldn’t use drugs to begin with, as if this justifies letting people die.
Imagine firefighters rushing to a blaze in a home with residents inside, but responding based on what started the fire?
“They used faulty Christmas tree lights. They cooked with grease. Let’s leave.”
Letting people die due to a toxic drug supply because you would “never” use drugs is like walking away from that fire.
Not to mention, the site will also be an entry point for other forms of care for those in need.
“VCH will provide funding, education, clinical support and harm reduction supplies while Helping Hands will manage day-to-day operations of the site. Helping Hands staff and peers will monitor clients who come to the site to use substances, intervening in overdose events when they occur, and offering clients connections to treatment, harm reduction, and social supports,” reads the report to council.
Perhaps eventually, we will see a more progressive approach to substance use. Oregon residents, after all, just supported Measure 110 in the recent U.S. election, This initiative means people police find with small amounts of hard drugs on them won’t be criminalized.
But for now, let’s welcome at least the life-saving arrival of the OPS.
It is too late for some, but may be just in time for others.
