Insite Stays Open … For now

Great news out of Vancouver this week: a BC Supreme Court ruling says the safe injection facility Insite should stay open regardless of whether or not it is exempted from federal drug laws. CBC coverage (May 28) of Justice Ian Pitfield’s ruling revealed that Insite could stay open indefinitely if his ruling is upheld. The IF is the trick – the Vancouver Sun reports May 29 that the Federal Government is not happy with the provincial Supreme Court decision.

It’s no surprise that the Feds aren’t happy with Pitfield’s ruling. There has long been a tangled relationship between Insite advocates and antagonists. Research has shown Insite to be beneficial for individuals and the community at large, yet the federal government appears reluctant to let us all know. Last fall, researchers went public about refusing further research funds because the government put a stipulation in the contract that would limit what they would be allowed to say about their findings.

Pitfield’s ruling will challenge the government again. Saying that the closure of Insite would effectively deny health care to injection drug users, he has set a precedent that could shake the country.

Insite offers a safe, clean place to inject without the fear of blood borne diseases people might be exposed to otherwise. It also offers education, well-trained health care staff, and options for treatment in a unique setting. Keeping Insite open is a logical move and a positive move in the right direction. Hopefully it will continue on this path…

- Janet (Communications Coordinator)

This was posted on Thursday, May 29th, 2008 at 8:16 am and is filed under HIV Prevention, News . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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