Two supervised consumption sites in Vancouver started sharing the machine last week for two days a week each in an effort to determine if drug checking will reduce overdoses. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is also expanding the use of fentanyl test strips in all supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites. Insite, a supervised consumption facility in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, has been using fentanyl test strips since July 2016. Safe consumption sites have opened around B.C., and the coroners’ service said there have been no deaths at those locations. Whether the drug-checking program will be expanded to facilities other than supervised consumption sites and overdose prevention sites will be based on the evidence gathered, Darcy said.

Source: National Post November 10, 2017 17:15 UTC