Did you know that over 100,000 people have died from drug overdoses in the past few years? If your organization helps people with substance abuse problems, you might be considering different approaches to reduce harm, such as safe injection sites.
However, it’s natural to wonder if these sites are the right option for your community. You may be asking yourself:
- Are safe injection sites really effective?
- Do the benefits outweigh any possible downsides?
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve spent over 10 years working to remove barriers in healthcare. We specialize in creating vehicles that help organizations like yours reach the people who need care the most. We know how complex it can be to support those dealing with substance abuse, and we’re here to help you find the right solutions. Our team is confident in the work we do and committed to providing honest, helpful information that prioritizes your needs.
In this article, you’ll discover the pros and cons of safe injection sites. We will explore the benefits and potential downsides, then suggest an alternative that may better align with your organization’s goals.
What is a safe injection site?
The number of Americans injecting drugs jumped from 774,000 in 2011 to a staggering 3.7 million in 2018.
Safe injection sites result in 67% fewer ambulance calls for drug overdoses, lower HIV infections, and lower overdose mortality.
A safe injection site is a place where people can use drugs, like meth or heroin, in a clean and supervised environment.
- Sterile needles
- Supervision by trained staff ready to offer medical help if needed
- A safer space for drug use
The idea is to create a safe space where individuals can use drugs under the watchful eye of professionals who are ready to step in if something goes wrong.
Example: Imagine someone named Lyle who struggles with meth addiction. Lyle has been living on the streets and has no access to clean needles. He finds a safe injection site in his community where he can use meth in a safer way. Here’s what Lyle experiences:
- He’s given clean needles
- He’s monitored by staff who care about his well-being
- He feels a small sense of security, knowing that help is available if something goes wrong
For Lyle, this site becomes a place where he doesn’t have to worry as much about overdosing or getting an infection, providing him with some relief in his difficult life.
Pros of safe injection sites
People often see safe injection sites as a helpful way to support individuals battling substance abuse. Here are five commonly mentioned benefits:
Prevents overdoses: Safe injection sites provide immediate help if someone overdoses, which can save lives. Trained staff are always on hand with naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose quickly.
Reduces the spread of diseases: These sites offer clean needles to drug users. Using this approach helps reduce the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis, which is commonly transmitted through shared needles.
Provides access to healthcare: Some people who visit these sites have limited access to healthcare. Safe injection sites may help connect individuals to healthcare professionals who can provide:
- Advice
- Support
- Referrals to treatment programs.
Improves public safety: With fewer people using drugs in public spaces, communities can see a decrease in discarded needles and other drug-related litter. This makes neighborhoods safer and cleaner for everyone.
Supports mental health: Safe injection sites often provide counseling and support for those dealing with mental health issues, offering a pathway to recovery for those ready to seek help.
These benefits highlight how safe injection sites can serve as a tool to address the public health crisis surrounding drug use, making them a compassionate and practical solution for both individuals and communities.
Cons of safe injection sites
While safe injection sites have benefits, there are some downsides that need to be considered:
Limited access: Many people who struggle with addiction don’t have reliable transportation to get to a safe injection site. They can’t take advantage of the services without a way to get there.
Social stigma: Being seen at a safe injection site can be embarrassing for some people. They might worry about running into someone they know and being judged, which can stop them from going.
High costs: Running a fixed safe injection site is expensive. Funding is needed for staff, medical supplies, and security, which can strain local resources and budgets.
Possible normalization of drug use: Some people are concerned that safe injection sites might make drug use seem more acceptable. Instead of helping people quit, it could send the wrong message.
Limited reach: Traditional safe injection sites can only help those who actually use them. Many people may still choose to use drugs in unsafe places, meaning these sites might not have as big an impact on public health as hoped.
These challenges show that while safe injection sites can be helpful, they aren’t a perfect solution for everyone.
How can you address some of these issues with safe injection sites?
There’s a way to address many downsides of fixed-location safe injection sites. The Mobile Mitigation Van (also known as the Mobile Overdose Prevention Van) is designed to bring services directly to those who need them instead of vice versa. Some services you can use this van for include:
- Supervised consumption
- Harm reduction
- Mobile health
- Mental health
- Addiction counseling
Key features of the Mobile Overdose Prevention Van
Individual desk pods for privacy: Each client enjoys a private space that lets them relax without worrying about being seen or facing social stigma.
On-the-go services: The van addresses the accessibility issue and comes to the people, eliminating the need for them to find transportation to a fixed site. With a Mobile Overdose Prevention Van, you can really expand your reach and help people beyond just those around you!
Three separate desk pods: Three chairs, privacy panels, and electrical outlets equip the space, creating a safe and comfortable environment.
Mobile office space: The office space provides healthcare and social workers with a place to do their administrative work.
Ample storage: The design features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, utilizes overhead storage cabinets, and includes secure partitioning between the driver and rear compartment to ensure organization and safety.
Sanitary environment: The van includes a sink, countertop space, and wipe-clean aluminum materials to maintain a sterile environment. It also has rear heat and air conditioning for comfort.
Let’s go back to our example of Lyle, a person struggling with substance use who is also homeless. He cannot reach a safe injection site and fears that others will judge him, even if he manages to get there.
The Mobile Mitigation Van pulls up near where Lyle usually stays in downtown Detroit. He’s able to enter the van without fear of anyone looking at him, use the safe, private space provided, and consume safely under supervision. This access could be life-saving, offering him a chance to avoid overdose while receiving compassionate care on his terms.
Next steps: Choosing the right solution for safe injection sites
You came here to understand the pros and cons of safe injection sites and to figure out if they’re the right choice for helping people struggling with substance use. We’ve covered what safe injection sites are, their benefits, and some of the challenges they present.
You’ve also learned about an innovative solution—the Mobile Mitigation Van—that your organization can use to bring these important services directly to those who are suffering from drug problems.
At AVAN Mobility, we are dedicated to helping organizations like yours make a real difference. We understand your challenges in providing compassionate care, and we’re here to support you with innovative, practical solutions. If you have any questions or want to learn more, click the button below to talk to one of our mobility experts.
If you’re not at the stage where you’re ready to talk to someone yet, that’s okay. We have a couple of other resources we think you’ll benefit from reading. Start with checking out our article on mobile overdose prevention vs. harm reduction centers. You’ll learn about the main differences between the two.
After that, we think you’ll benefit from checking out our article on the top 5 U.S. locations to set up a mobile overdose prevention site for the biggest impact.
