by Faith Speece
Philadelphia is attempting to open the United States’ first Safe Injection Facilities (SIFs) in an effort to combat America’s current opioid epidemic.
In 2016 alone, Philadelphia had 907 deaths due to drug overdoses. The center would offer sterile needles, overdose reversing drugs (like Narcan), and a safe place to use their drugs, along with treatment options.
This is a very controversial issue. Some believe this will enable addicts and make them think what they’re doing is okay.
Others are concerned that crime and addiction rates will rise. However countries like Canada and Switzerland, who have already introduced SIFs, have reported that their crime rates did not rise after introducing the centers but the health of people increased and risky behavior decreased.
Many feel that SIFs should not be funded by the government because of how expensive it could be. But SIFs can actually save the government money.
According to the ACLU giving addicts sterile needles cost less than treating HIV infected addicts. US cities have reported that their government funded needle exchange programs only cost about $160,000 (about $20 per addict per year), while one HIV user costs about $120,000 in public health expenses.
SIFs have also decreased overdose mortality rates. Vancouver reported that one of their sites had 336 overdoses in an 18 month period, none of which resulted in a fatality.
Giving addicts a place to shoot up can shield the community from what they do. Instead of shooting up on the street with adults and children walking by, they can do it behind closed doors.
Citizens of Philadelphia have every right to be concerned about their community, but these SIFs can actually help addicts and the people around them.