Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services on the two-year anniversary of the Supervised Consumption Site

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“September 29, 2023, marked the second anniversary of the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS), a beacon of hope and safety in Whitehorse. It stands as a testament to our government's commitment to addressing problematic substance use through a public health approach grounded in empathy, understanding and harm reduction initiatives.

“In the two years since its inception, 335 individuals have used services at the SCS facility 6,312 times, demonstrating the pivotal role this site serves in our community. Between April and August 2023 alone, the site recorded 3,095 visits, more than the total visits in the entire fiscal year of 2022-23, signalling a substantial increase in the trust that the community has in the services and options provided.

“These visits are not just numbers; they represent lives upheld through a network of safety and support. A total of 47 overdoses were successfully attended to since the site’s opening, a testament to the vital work undertaken at the facility. 

“At this juncture, I want to highlight the tremendous efforts of the staff at the Supervised Consumption Site, including our community partner, Blood Ties Four Directions, in partnership with Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services. Their unwavering dedication to providing a wide range of services from harm reduction and counselling conversations to primary health services, referrals and supportive listening, is a critical service for our community. They have facilitated countless drug checks, offered training on using naloxone kits and have consistently been there in health emergencies, ensuring that the site remains a safe and confidential space for all its visitors.

“In addition to providing a supervised site for substance consumption, the SCS distributes harm reduction equipment. Not including naloxone kits, the Centre distributed harm reduction supplies 2,522 times since April 2023.

“As we move forward in our efforts to reduce the harm caused by the Substance Use Health Emergency, we reiterate our commitment to working in close collaboration with our partners to enhance the facility’s reach and capabilities. We continue to work on expanding the site’s hours of operation and we remain firmly rooted in our commitment to compassion and inclusivity. Our mission is to cultivate a space that warmly welcomes and supports individuals from all walks of life, encompassing every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion and ability level.

“As we mark the site’s second anniversary, let us pledge to continue supporting the individuals who turn to the Supervised Consumption Site and to extend a helping hand through services grounded in care and respect.

“I encourage anyone contemplating change or seeking support to reach out to;

• the Opioid Treatment Services at 867-668-2552;
• Rapid Access Counselling is available to all Yukoners at 867-456-3838, or toll-free at 1-866-456-3838; and;
• the National Opioid Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 remains a lifeline for those using substances alone.

“Let us move forward, united in our efforts to foster a healthier, safer and more compassionate community.”