Designed to help prevent injection-drug users from sharing needles and spreading HIV and other blood-borne illnesses and from overdosing, North America's first supervised heroin injection site opened Monday in Vancouver, Canada, Agence France-Presse reports. Organizers estimate that up to 800 injection-drug users will use the site each day. The facility, modeled after similar sites in Europe and Australia and located in a section of the city with a large number of drug addicts, will include a staff of 16 nurses and several counselors who will offer medical treatment, watch for signs of overdoses, and give recommendations for drug-treatment programs. Free needles also will be provided. The Canadian government approved the site in June after an 18-month study. The site is run by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and funded by the federal and British Columbia governments.
Search
AI Powered
Human content,
AI powered search.
Latest Stories
Stay up to date with the latest in LGBTQ+ news with The Advocate’s email newsletter, in your inbox five days a week.
@ 2026 Equal Entertainment LLC.
All rights reserved
All rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The Latest
Support Independent Journalism
LGBTQ+ stories deserve to betold.
Your membership powers The Advocate's original reporting—stories that inform, protect, and celebrate our community.
Become a Member
FOR AS LITTLE AS $5. CANCEL ANYTIME.
More For You
Most Popular
@ 2026 Equal Entertainment LLC. All Rights reserved














