Safe injection sites are flawed response to opioid drug overdose deaths.

Statement by Valerie Schmalz
Director, Office of Human Life & Dignity
Archdiocese of San Francisco
September 7, 2018
 
Safe injection sites are a flawed although well intentioned response to opioid drug overdose deaths.
 
Creation of a safe injection site establishes public societal acceptance of illegal intravenous drug use to the detriment of the drug users, who are not only procuring their drugs illegally, but using them in a public space.  
 
Illegal intravenous drug use is directly harmful to the person injecting the drugs. Public acceptance of IV drug use is harmful to the overall society, and particularly to young people who are finding their way in what is an often confusing society that already presents mixed messages about drug and alcohol abuse.
 
In addition, safe injection sites would be in violation federal law.
 
Thus, while acknowledging that support for safe injection sites stems from a desire to help those in need, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone nevertheless firmly opposes the safe injection sites. They set a negative example for children and young people, even as they continue to tear apart the social fabric that should promote healthy habits among the young.
 
There are many effective ways to help those addicted to drugs, and to prevent overdoses, without creating the enabling impression that IV drug use is acceptable.  Certainly, San Francisco’s commitment to sufficient drug and alcohol rehabilitation services is essential to support those seeking recovery. 
 
Among the emergency measures that are in use, and effective in saving people who are overdosing from drugs, are increased access to the anti-overdose medication Naloxone by those on the front lines in SROs, in shelters and on the streets, as well as ensuring emergency response and hospital teams can a administer Buprenorphine, a drug that eases the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and may facilitate a readiness to try to overcome addiction.
 
While acknowledging the good intentions of the concept’s supporters, the Archdiocese of San Francisco urges the City and County of San Francisco to reject the establishment of safe drug injection sites as detrimental to youth, the addicts themselves, and the social fabric of our beautiful city.