The majority of safe injection sites that have opened to combat the ongoing overdose and drug poisoning epidemic exist solely to prevent overdose. These settings are highly medicalized, with restricted spaces for use, strict rules on movement throughout the space, and high levels of observation from paid employees. While providing an important service, these sites can actually be a major deterrent to many who feel stigmatized using in a medical environment.
At New Fountain Shelter (NFS), run by the PHS Community Services Society, they have worked tirelessly to create a community space that prioritizes the social side of drug use and employs staff who are capable of competent and compassionate overdose response. By allowing open use within their shelter, NFS found a way to lessen the internalized stigma and shame drug users experience by offering a non-judgmental space where drug use is normal and their community grows out of similar lived experiences.
In this webinar, presenters from New Fountain Shelter will discuss what it means to accept and promote a shared understanding of drug use as a rational response to emotional and physical pain. Join us for a live walkthrough of the shelter followed by a Q&A where they will answer questions about the successes and challenges they have faced creating a truly inclusive shelter environment.