Addiction Medicine

FIRST INJECTION SITE ALMOST AT CAPACITY

Vancouver -- Vancouver's much-anticipated safe injection site (SIS), the
first in North America, was nearly at full capacity less than 3 months
after opening Sept. 15. Site staff are supervising an average of 450
injections daily; full capacity is 600 visits (see CMAJ 2003; 169 [8}:
759-63). There are an estimated 4000 injection drug users in the city's
Downtown Eastside.

Mark Townsend of the Portland Hotel Society, which runs the SIS with the
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, says initial fears that patrolling
police officers and security cameras would deter drug users have proved
unfounded. He also attributes the high usage to the experienced staff,
extensive street-level and word-of-mouth publicity prior to the opening.

So far, 25 users have experienced adverse reactions on site and required
assistance. At least 33 users have been referred to detoxification
services. Nurses are also carrying out a lot of wound and other basic
medical care.

Townsend says he hopes that the SIS's 3-year research project will answer
questions about the site's early success. Meanwhile, in the short term, he
would like to see extended hours, a second location and more detoxification
facilities.