The Victorian government is about to open a second safe injecting room, a place where people can inject drugs in a supervised health setting. This means that if someone overdoses in the room, a staff member can respond immediately. This second safe injecting room will be in the central business district and complement the existing room at North Richmond. However, for any community, safe injecting rooms is a controversial issue.
It is in the best interest of any community to provide appropriate services to drug users, to assist them in kicking their addiction and in accessing other health services. As a medically supervised service, they are a more hygienic place to inject drugs, and in the event of an overdose, staff can respond more quickly in saving lives.
I don't live anywhere close to these facilities, and I don't see the drug deals and anti-social behaviour typical in and around these rooms. They can be a bit of a honey pot for drug dealers, encouraging people to take drugs. Rightfully, they have been criticised for bringing crime into the area.
Many politicians and experts have debated their merits for a long time. They are unpopular in the communities where they exist, and there is conflicting evidence as to whether they are effective or not. Nevertheless, I think the benefits outweigh the risks, and I remain a supporter.
It is in the best interest of any community to provide appropriate services to drug users, to assist them in kicking their addiction and in accessing other health services. As a medically supervised service, they are a more hygienic place to inject drugs, and in the event of an overdose, staff can respond more quickly in saving lives.
I don't live anywhere close to these facilities, and I don't see the drug deals and anti-social behaviour typical in and around these rooms. They can be a bit of a honey pot for drug dealers, encouraging people to take drugs. Rightfully, they have been criticised for bringing crime into the area.
Many politicians and experts have debated their merits for a long time. They are unpopular in the communities where they exist, and there is conflicting evidence as to whether they are effective or not. Nevertheless, I think the benefits outweigh the risks, and I remain a supporter.