Women’s only supervised injection site approved

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Amid a drug crisis in this province, Vancouver Coastal Health says it is moving forward on a proposal for a women’s only supervised injection services. The idea is to partner with a community agency to create a small site that is street level, accessible, and within another building that houses community-based supportive women’s services.

“Although Insite provides injection services for both men and women — and 27 per cent of the clients of Insite are women — some vulnerable women feel safer and more supported when they are able to access services in women-only settings,” says VCH Director Bonnie Wilson. “Our goal is to create a safe and supported environment around substance use and harm reduction education.”

A location has yet to be identified, but the health authority will submit an application to Health Canada. “The Downtown Eastside is home to some of British Columbia’s most vulnerable women,” says Health Minister Terry Lake. “By expanding access to services for women in this community, we can help reduce barriers to wellness and increase access to supports that will help improve their health.”

A specially equipped van will be up and running by next spring to help medical teams connect with marginalized women who are less likely to go to a clinic or hospital. The “pop-up health shop” be in parks and shelters on the Downtown Eastside.

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