Safe consumption sites provide a service that extends far beyond addiction management. We must recognize that abstinence from substance abuse may not always be an achievable goal for all patients as there is a multitude of steps required to reach this point. We must focus on preventing or reducing harm to our patients and not just provide treatment for substance use disorders. Without harm reduction strategies, substance-dependent patients are subject to overdosing and generally lack the support and resources available to them. 

Premier Jason Kenney’s government has made a decision to move away from funding harm reduction and putting it towards the production of recovery centers. Kenney is fairly opinionated and presents an ideological rather than an objective view. Instead of acknowledging the benefits of HR, he believes that drug users should not be given further opportunities to consume their drugs. Conversely, he believes that the government should refocus their efforts on forcing patients into recovery regardless of whether they are ready or not. It is clear that his point of view does not take into account the individual patient and trauma-informed care, but rather forces patients into uniform care. With individualized care becoming the norm for most conditions, this is unfair and contradictory to our values of patient-centred care. Overall, the premier is changing Alberta’s strategy against drug addiction, which may end up leading to an increase in overdoses, preventable diseases, and unsafe injection practices.

As pharmacy students, we have come together to advocate for the lives that are often neglected. As Albertans, it is our duty to project and stand up for each and every one of us. We must acknowledge that change won’t happen immediately; it is an ongoing process that takes a lot of time, planning, and strategies like lobbying and forming partnerships. But, we have to start somewhere. THIS is where we start. We are asking for you to sign our petition to support our cause and reach our leaders. The more they see that we care, the more likely we are to make a positive change.