LET'S
TALK
SHST
HOVER
over these common
myths to get
the real
facts
We’re setting the record straight on how Safe Health Site Timmins will benefit our community.
Scroll through these common myths and get the real facts behind them.
MYTH
FACT
“This site
seems
like a waste
of money.”
In both Canada and the U.S., these sites have proven to reduce ambulance calls and ER visits – saving taxpayer dollars, not spending them.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“This site
won’t make
a difference
to me.”
These sites have demonstrated less drug use in public spaces, less litter in the community, and improved public safety.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“Consumption
sites are just places for people
to get drugs.”
SHST does not supply drugs, and is more than just a safe-use centre. We offer health care services, addiction treatment and social support.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“This site will attract drug users from all over to
our community.”
Most people would only travel up to five blocks to use a safe site. SHST isn’t bringing new people in – just helping people who need it.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“There’s no
such thing
as “safely”
using drugs.”
73% of opioid-related deaths in Ontario occurred with no one there to help. SHST will keep clients safe from overdose.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“Addicts
are criminals.
Why are we
helping them?”
Addiction is a diagnosed medical disorder, like heart disease, and everyone deserves the ability to access care when they need it.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“This site will create more problems in our community than
it will solve.”
The whole community will benefit from a safe, controlled facility that allows people already engaged in high-risk activity to access care.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“These sites
will keep
people addicted
to drugs.”
Beyond preventing overdose deaths, SHST promotes recovery
by connecting people
to treatment and withdrawal-management services.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“This site will
make our community
a target for drug dealers.”
Our larger strategy includes enforcement that specifically addresses drug dealing to keep both clients and the greater community safe.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“Safe injection
sites haven’t worked
in the past.”
Actually, a Canadian site reduced overdoses by 35%, ambulance calls by 67%, ER visits by 26%, and saw 57% of clients enter treatment.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“This injection
site is going to cause COVID-19 outbreaks.”
As a health site, SHST operates with strict infection-control standards, reducing the risk of transmitting disease and infections.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“There’s no
silver bullet
solution to the
drug crisis.”
You don’t need a silver bullet solution to make a positive change. SHST is just one part of a larger strategy that will help save lives.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“This site is
just a bandage solution to a
bigger problem.”
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“This site is
going to bring
more homeless people to my neighbourhood.”
Not everyone who uses drugs is homeless. These sites are often located strategically in areas where overdoses are already happening.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“We should
be opening a treatment centre, not a safe consumption site.”
SHST works to save people’s lives and is only part of the continuum of care for addiction required in a community.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“Nobody I know needs this site.
Why should I support it?”
Almost every person has been impacted by addiction, whether directly or indirectly. Our whole community feels the impact of this crisis.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“Aren’t injection sites just ‘shooting galleries’ for people to use drugs?”
SHST is equipped for individual substance use under observation. It also provides referrals to recovery and treatment.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
MYTH
FACT
“Consumption
sites stop people from entering
‘real’ treatment programs.”
Safe sites are often the first point of access for people who use substances to obtain safe medical treatment and treatment services.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
FACT
Our larger strategy includes enforcement that specifically addresses drug dealing to keep both clients and the greater community safe.
FACT
The whole community will benefit from a safe, controlled facility that allows people already engaged in high-risk activity to access care.
FACT
73% of opioid-related deaths in Ontario occurred with no one there to help. SHST will keep clients safe from overdose.
FACT
Most people would only travel up to five blocks to use a safe site. SHST isn’t bringing new people in – just helping people who need it.
FACT
In both Canada and the U.S., these sites have proven to reduce ambulance calls and ER visits – saving taxpayer dollars, not spending them.
FACT
Addiction is a diagnosed medical disorder, like heart disease, and everyone deserves the ability to access care when they need it.
FACT
Safe sites are often the first point of access for people who use substances to obtain safe medical treatment and treatment services.
FACT
SHST is equipped for individual substance use under observation. It also provides referrals to recovery and treatment.
FACT
Almost every person has been impacted by addiction, whether directly or indirectly. Our whole community feels the impact of this crisis.
FACT
SHST works to save people’s lives and is only part of the continuum of care for addiction required in a community.
FACT
Addiction is a complex issue, and abstinence is not always a realistic solution. SHST focuses on harm reduction to save lives.
FACT
You don’t need a silver bullet solution to make a positive change. SHST is just one part of a larger strategy that will help save lives.
FACT
As a health site, SHST operates with strict infection-control standards, reducing the risk of transmitting disease and infections.
FACT
Actually, a Canadian site reduced overdoses by 35%, ambulance calls by 67%, ER visits by 26%, and saw 57% of clients enter treatment.
FACT
Not everyone who uses drugs is homeless. These sites are often located strategically in areas where overdoses are already happening.
FACT
Beyond preventing overdose deaths, SHST promotes recovery by connecting people to treatment and withdrawal-management services.
FACT
SHST does not supply drugs, and is more than just a safe-use centre. We offer health care services, addiction treatment and social support.
FACT
These sites have demonstrated less drug use in public spaces, less litter in the community, and improved public safety.
LET'S
TALK
SHST
We’re setting the record straight on how Safe Health Site Timmins will benefit our community.