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Advocates rally against closure of supervised consumption service in Calgary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local advocates say supervised consumption services must be expanded and improved with drug inhalation capacity. A rally will be held on Tuesday, October 29.

Guest Article

Oct 23, 2024 — 1 min read

Safeworks in Calgary has six consumption booths, kept immaculately clean and attended by nurses and people with lived and living experience, in case help is needed. After hundreds of thousands of visits, the site has never had an overdose death, but has connected countless people with additional services including abstinence-based recovery and frontline health care.

Calgary, AB – A coalition of community leaders and members, harm reduction advocates and healthcare professionals, will gather for a protest on October 29 at 8 AM in front of Calgary City Hall to advocate against the proposed closure of the Supervised Consumption Service (SCS).

This protest comes just as the city council prepares to vote on a motion that could signal the province to discontinue this essential service.

The SCS has played a critical role in saving lives, reducing overdose deaths, and connecting marginalized individuals to vital health resources. Since its opening in 2017, the SCS has reversed over 58,000 overdoses. Approximately 3,500 people visit the SCS per month, which will otherwise be diverted to the streets if access to this service is not possible.

Sign the letter in support of Safeworks

“Shutting down the SCS would not only exacerbate the ongoing public health crisis but also deny essential support to our most marginalized community members,” said Sydney Boa, one of the spokespeople for the coalition. As city council considers the future of this service, the coalition demands transparency and accountability from elected officials regarding the decision-making process and the implications for public health.

“This is about human lives. We cannot afford to ignore the data that shows these services save lives and improve community health outcomes.”

The protest will feature speakers from various backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, harm reduction advocates, and individuals with lived experiences. Community members are encouraged to join the rally to show support for harm reduction initiatives and to stand against the proposed motion.

What: Protest Against Closure of Supervised Consumption Service

When: October 29, 2024, at 8 AM

Where: Calgary City Hall, 800 Macleod Trail SE

Media representatives are encouraged to attend and cover the event, as community voices unite to advocate for the continuation of this vital service.

To contact a spokesperson, email SaveOurSiteYYC@gmail.com.

Sign the letter in support of Safeworks