At the 10th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users, held in Glasgow, Scotland, international policymakers gathered to discuss the global overdose crisis and the role that supervised consumption sites can play in helping end these needless and preventable deaths.
The policy brief
A new policy brief is now available that summarises the day’s discussions and provides a starting point for those wanting to know more about supervised consumption rooms and their impact.
It includes:
- Evidence of success
- Global case studies
- Evaluation models
- Implementation considerations
Contents in more detail
The policy brief provides the latest evidence and recommendations for supervised consumption sites, which are also known as drug consumption rooms, safe consumption rooms, overdose prevention sites, safer injection sites, drug consumption facilities, and medically supervised injection centres.
The brief explores:
Evidence of success:
How supervised consumption sites;
- prevent overdose and save lives
- Minimise transmission of BBVs
- Connect people with supporting services
- Reduce public drug use and litter
Evaluation models:
- Evaluation methods from France and Melbourne, Australia
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) advice and guidance on evaluation
Global case studies:
- Melbourne, Australia: incorporating wrap-around care and peer support
- Zürich, Switzerland: multi-site alleviates pressure on one service
- Barcelona, Spain: specifically for women and gender diverse people
Implementation considerations:
- Legal framework considerations and examples
- Public buy-in checklist
- Police support
- Practical considerations such as data collection, layout, and supporting services