Yes2SCS in Victoria, BC!

HIV and Hepatitis C transmissions and overdose deaths are preventable. Supervised consumption services provide clean supplies and safe disposal of used supplies, education on safer use and how to prevent overdose, and connection to health care providers and peer support. Supervised consumption services in Victoria, BC would: prevent deaths caused by overdose; provide better access to health and social services; reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C; and decrease public drug use and reduce drug equipment litter.

Every person has the right to consistent, nonjudgmental, and accessible health care, and supervised consumption services are an essential part of health care provision. Supervised consumption services provide dignified spaces where people who use drugs can:

  • be welcomed into safe places to use drugs and dispose of their drug use equipment

  • connect with health and social services they likely could not otherwise

  • access first aid and nursing care provided by trained staff, and education to prevent overdoses and save lives

  • access peer support and build relationships with outreach workers to access housing, detox and recovery services, if desired

We, the undersigned, call for the establishment of supervised consumption services in Victoria, BC