Press release
New Policy Brief on Supervised Consumption Sites: Saving Lives and Improving Local Communities
Download press release
The International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) has released a new policy brief, highlighting the vital role of supervised consumption sites in reducing harm for people who use drugs, and improving local communities.
This comprehensive brief was written as a result of discussions with international policymakers at the organisation’s annual conference and includes; evidence of success, global case studies, evaluation models and implementation considerations.
Stakeholders involved in the brief’s preparation included representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Public Health Scotland (where the conference was held), Correlation European Harm Reduction Network, International Network of Drug Consumption Rooms (INDCR), French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), and many more.
Supervised consumption sites, also known as drug consumption rooms, provide a safe and controlled environment where individuals can use drugs under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
These sites have been proven effective in reducing drug-related harm, preventing overdoses, curbing the spread of infectious diseases, and connecting individuals with essential healthcare and social services.
There is also substantial evidence of how these sites can improve local communities by reducing drug-related litter and public injecting. Yet they are still rare globally due to controversy, entrenched stigma faced by people who use drugs, and legal issues.
Emma Day, INHSU executive director, said: “This new policy brief provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence supporting the implementation of supervised consumption sites and offers practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to consider when establishing and operating these facilities.
“It also addresses common misconceptions and concerns surrounding supervised consumption sites, offering evidence-based responses to foster informed decision-making. It is crucial that policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities understand the immense benefits of implementing these sites and we hope this brief will be useful in advocacy efforts globally.”
INHSU invites policymakers, healthcare professionals, community advocates, and the general public to access the policy brief and engage in a dialogue about the role of supervised consumption sites in creating healthier and safer communities. The full policy brief is available for download on the INHSU website. If you would like to share the brief with your networks, there is a digital toolkit available here.
ENDS
Further information:
For media inquiries, interview requests, images or further information, please contact Brooke Nolan on brooke.nolan@inhsu.org
About INHSU:
The International Network on Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) is a global network dedicated to promoting evidence-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs. INHSU fosters collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocates to drive positive change in the field of hepatitis and substance use.
