Public feedback needed for Nanaimo’s first safe consumption service
NANAIMO — A long-in-the-works proposal by Island Health now needs public opinion.
An info session is tonight for Nanaimo’s first safe consumption site, to be run by the health authority. People can meet the key players in the planning process and learn about the ongoing opioid crisis by visiting the board room of the Service and Resource Centre between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Dr. Paul Hasselback, medical health officer with Island Health, said the site is a “natural evolution from what we currently have in place.” He said they’ll be able to extend the help currently offered at the overdose prevention site, such as providing long term support and assisting with addiction treatment.
The proposed safe consumption site will be at the same location as the current overdose prevention site at 437 Wesley St. Hasselback said it’s located right in the middle of the ongoing crisis and has functioned “extremely well” since it opened at the beginning of March.