The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has First Nations and Metis Health Services available directly in Saskatchewan s major cities, but Saskatchewan doctors hope to see access expanded.
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Saskatchewan’s government has twice rejected proposals to fund the province’s only permanent safe drug consumption site in Saskatoon. Government officials have repeatedly said they prefer to spend money on broader services geared toward ending drug use, such as recovery beds or detoxification services, rather than give Prairie Harm Reduction the $1.3 million it sought to operate the site 24/7.
The non-profit launched a fundraising drive that brought in more than $180,000 in recent months from private businesses and donors.
Doctors are cautiously optimistic their collective voice will have an impact. SMA delegate Dr. John Dosman said a similar resolution on health care for transgender people eventually led to improvements in care. He said investments in recovery and treatment are good, but harm reduction options like supervised sites are also needed to prevent fatalities.
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Saskatchewan’s government has twice rejected proposals to fund the province’s only permanent safe drug consumption site in Saskatoon. Government officials have repeatedly said they prefer to spend money on broader services geared toward ending drug use, such as recovery beds or detoxification services, rather than give Prairie Harm Reduction the $1.3 million it sought to operate the site 24/7.
The non-profit launched a fundraising drive that brought in more than $180,000 in recent months from private businesses and donors.
Doctors are cautiously optimistic their collective voice will have an impact. SMA delegate Dr. John Dosman said a similar resolution on health care for transgender people eventually led to improvements in care. He said investments in recovery and treatment are good, but harm reduction options like supervised sites are also needed to prevent fatalities.