Canada’s first supervised injection site celebrates 20th anniversary

It was Sept. 14, 2003, when history was made in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood.

North America’s first-ever supervised injection site, Insite, opened to the public.

The PHS Community Services Society (PHS) describes this time as a “paradigm shift” in harm reduction.

Supporters of Insite say it was a struggle to convince authorities — including Health Canada, politicians, residents, and police — of the need and safety of the supervised consumption site.

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PHS says since its inception, Insite has been at the forefront of health emergencies “experienced by the most marginalized and under-served members of our community.”

“The staff at Insite create respectful, tolerant relationships with individuals who are chronically marginalized and resistant to healthcare.

“Insite was designed to address the barriers that drug users have to accessing health services.”

While the toxic drug supply crisis continues, Insite believes the number of deaths the city sees would be much higher if it wasn’t for supervised consumption sites.

To celebrate the history and creation of the hard reduction site, Insite is hosting a block party on Columbia Street and Hastings Street beginning at 12:30 p.m. Thursday and running until 4 p.m.