The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s decision to stop funding safe substance use equipment is not sitting well with those with Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity.
The non-profit in a statement says, “While recovery and abstinence from drugs and alcohol is the ultimate end goal for most, that is not the case for all individuals. We can’t force people to go to treatment or detox. While someone is still in active addiction, they should have the opportunity to use safely.”
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said, “Providing taxpayer-funded pipes for smoking illicit drugs and instructions for how to use them sends the wrong message to people who we want to help. Instead, the message coming from the health care system should be that there is hope for recovery, and there is help available through treatment.”
Government measures include adding 500 more addiction treatment spaces including 14 inpatient treatment spaces at the former Drumming Hill Youth Centre facility in North Battleford, and the 60-bed facility near Lumsden to open in the Spring.
In stopping the issue of pipes for smoking methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and other illicit drugs, the government also said that third-party organizations will not be permitted to use funding provided by the Ministry of Health or the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) for these purposes.
Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity sees the change as a “huge detriment to the community,” adding “Without clean substance use equipment, people are more likely to share pipes and needles which will increase diseases like Hep C, HIV, and Syphilis.”
The SHA made its decision on Thursday, Jan. 18.