Halifax’s only overdose prevention site closes

The overdose prevention site in north end Halifax — the only one in Atlantic Canada — has closed. 

It was just over a year ago that HaliFIX received an exemption from the federal government to run the overdose prevention site.

It had been operating rent-free from the basement of Direction 180, a methadone clinic on Gottingen Street. 

“That relationship came to an end, as far as housing the space in their building,” said HaliFIX executive committee member San Patten. “At the moment, we don't have any alternative space.”

That's because, Patten explained, they weren't getting any funding.

“There's been no commitment from the provincial government to help us provide a public health service that's life-saving,” she said. 

“It's been atrocious, I would say, not to have that kind of government support, given that we know for a fact through lots of evidence that this is a highly effective harm reduction initiative and directly saves lives.”

In addition, she said there were significant disagreements within HaliFIX about its scope, and whether it should take political stances on issues like defunding the police. 

Patten believes the site was starting to build trust and awareness in the community, but it could have had a greater impact if it weren't operating on a shoestring budget.

As for the future of overdose prevention sites in Halifax, Patten said other organizations are in the process of trying to find a new location for one, but so far, HaliFIX hasn't been asked to take part in those discussions.

“I would just hope that Halifax, as a community, realizes, understands and supports the value of harm reduction,” she said. “We all know that overdose, especially with opiates is a reality for our community and our province.”

“The more we can do to break down the stigma, the more we can do to help address the problem.”

With files from Meghan Groff