Open AccessAnalyzing the Past, Rationalizing the Present, and Formulating the Future of Injection Sites
Author(s) -
Celina Lovisotto,
Brooke K. Baker
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
inquiry@queen's undergraduate research conference proceedings
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2563-8912
DOI - 10.24908/iqurcp.14675
Subject(s) - government (linguistics) , population , pandemic , feeling , consumption (sociology) , health care , business , political science , economic growth , public relations , medicine , psychology , covid-19 , environmental health , sociology , economics , social psychology , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , social science , philosophy , linguistics , pathology
The Opioid Crisis has historically been a major threat to the Canadian population, and continues to affect the health and wellbeing of Canadians today. This ongoing public health crisis demonstrates the exponential growth of opioid related deaths and drug overdoses, particularly in the midst of a global pandemic. The effects of Covid - 19 have shown a drastic increase in opioid related deaths over the past year. It is important to note that vulnerable individuals are facing a surplus of challenges both physically and mentally during this unprecedented time due to lack of shelter, resources, and support. To adequately care for struggling individuals, it is essential to consider the implication of supervised consumption sites, commonly known as safe injection sites (SIS). They provide a safe and clean environment for injections, a supportive community for drug users, well as resources for preventative and extended healthcare. Though negatively perceived throughout society, these sites offer nutritious food, hygiene supplies and the basic necessities in order to sustain one’s well being and optimal health. Nonetheless, this would not be possible without greater funding from the government that will in turn allow for greater expansion and overall accessibility of these resources. This will hopefully assist in ending the stigma that lingers around SIS while closing the divisions within society. Each individual is entitled to feeling supported and welcomed in a community where they can express their true self without being judged.