Opening its doors in 2003, Insite was the first sanctioned supervised drug consumption site in North America (receiving federal exemption from Health Canada) and has saved thousands of lives and millions of healthcare dollars. Operating in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health, the Insite Supervised Injection Facility is a clean and safe environment for users to consume illicit drugs.
Service users receive:
- Harm Reduction supplies, including sterile injection equipment.
- Spectrometer and test strip testing of substances.
- Immediate response in the event of an overdose.
- Clinical care – wound management, STI assessment and treatment, vaccinations, etc.
- Connections to substance use, mental health, primary care and community services.
- Access to safe supply and opioid agonist treatment.
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 cultivate respectful, compassionate relationships with individuals who are impoverished, marginalized, and often stigmatized and mistreated by the healthcare system.
A post-injection Chillout Lounge operated by peers allows participants to connect with people with lived experience who listen to participants’ stories, serve coffee and juice throughout the day, and connect them to additional supports. This can include housing needs, primary care and treatment services such as withdrawal management and opioid agonist treatment.
Staff can refer participants directly to Onsite, located right above Insite, which offers withdrawal management and recovery support.
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Partner :
Vancouver Coastal Health