If we want to see less public drug use and people sheltering on transit, we must begin by reopening and expanding supervised consumption sites and by addressing housing unaffordability.
Basically, safe injection sites are step 1 in a several step process to help drug users stay safe. Step 2 is immediately available access to counselling and rehab facilities for those who want it.
Step 2 costs a lot of money, so it doesn’t get implemented, and then it looks like it doesn’t work. It does work. If you’re building a subway system and stop after digging a big hole in the ground, it doesn’t mean subways don’t work; it means politicians don’t care enough to make it happen.
Basically, safe injection sites are step 1 in a several step process to help drug users stay safe. Step 2 is immediately available access to counselling and rehab facilities for those who want it.
Step 2 costs a lot of money, so it doesn’t get implemented, and then it looks like it doesn’t work. It does work. If you’re building a subway system and stop after digging a big hole in the ground, it doesn’t mean subways don’t work; it means politicians don’t care enough to make it happen.