Saskatoon Safe Consumption Site Forced to Reduce Hours Due to Funding Crisis
The Saskatoon Safe Consumption Site, a vital resource for the city’s vulnerable population, is facing a difficult decision as it grapples with a funding crisis. The site, which provides a safe and supervised space for individuals to consume drugs, has announced that it will be reducing its hours of operation in order to stay afloat.
According to the site’s executive director, the decision to reduce hours was an incredibly hard one to make. The site has been operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since it opened in 2018, but due to a lack of funding, it will now only be open from 9am to 9pm.
This reduction in hours will have a significant impact on the site’s clients, many of whom rely on its services for their safety and well-being. The site not only provides a safe space for drug consumption, but also offers harm reduction supplies, overdose prevention, and access to health care services.
The funding crisis is a result of the provincial government’s decision to cut funding for the site by 10%, despite an increase in demand for its services. This has left the site with a budget shortfall of $100,000.
The site’s executive director has expressed concern for the safety of its clients, stating that the reduction in hours could lead to an increase in drug-related deaths and overdoses. The site has seen a 50% increase in overdoses in the past year, and reducing its hours could further exacerbate this issue.
The Saskatoon Safe Consumption Site has been a crucial resource for the city’s most vulnerable population, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals struggling with addiction. It is a lifeline for many, and the decision to reduce its hours is a devastating blow to the community.
Efforts are being made to secure additional funding for the site, but in the meantime, the reduced hours will go into effect on March 1st. The site’s executive director has urged the government to reconsider its decision and provide the necessary funding to keep the site operating 24/7.
In the face of this funding crisis, the Saskatoon Safe Consumption Site remains committed to its mission of saving lives and reducing harm. It is a vital resource for the city and its clients, and it is our hope that a solution can be found to ensure its continued operation.
