The local public health unit is reaffirming its commitment to harm reduction strategies while dispelling misconceptions about how they address drug use in Chatham-Kent.
As part of its local drug strategy, Chatham-Kent Public Health currently provides free sterile syringes, alcohol swabs, and tourniquets, among other items, to those who inject substances.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said it’s a common misconception that this approach enables drug use within the community. He added that there is no evidence supporting this claim.
“We give these items out, not because we endorse the underlying activity, we choose to give it out… because it stops or reduces the risk of people getting HIV and hepatitis,” said Dr. Nesathurai.
Another misconception that exists regarding harm reduction strategies is that they are costly. While harm reduction programs require funding, Dr. Nesathurai said they are cost-effective compared to treating advanced illnesses caused by preventable infections or complications from substance use.
“Preventing HIV or hepatitis is cost-effective. It’s tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime to treat HIV and hepatitis… It’s expensive,” he said.
Dr. Nesathurai added that discarded needles and other substance-use litter in public spaces are concerning, public health services work diligently with community partners to minimize this risk through safe disposal initiatives and outreach efforts. Safe disposal bottles are also provided to anyone receiving sterile needles from the health unit.
While he understands the skepticism, Dr. Nesathurai said harm reduction strategies promote safer practices and improve health outcomes for all residents. The medical officer said he asks everyone in the community to view the issue through a compassionate lens.
“Harm reduction strategies reduce the risk, they don’t take it to zero by any means, but they reduce the risk,” said Dr. Nesathurai. “People who use substances have a medical problem, like all other illnesses, and our job is to try and keep them alive and try to help them the best we can without judgment.”
For more information about harm reduction services offered by CK Public Health, click here.