April 1, 2011

Nurses support harm reduction model

A coalition of three nursing associations representing nurses from across the country will make arguments in favour of keeping the doors to Vancouver's Insite harm reduction facility open when the Supreme Court of Canada hears the case in May. Nurses know that harm reduction, including supervised injection, is an essential tool in a comprehensive health-care strategy for substance misuse and addiction.RNAO along with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and the Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (ARNBC) have been granted intervener status before the high court.Insite was set up in 2003 when the federal Liberal government was in power. Since the Conservatives came to power in 2006, Insite has been defending attempts to shut its doors. Insite has a long track record of success and RNAO believes this facility should remain open so nurses and other health-care professionals can continue to work with clients to reduce the risks associated with addiction and injection

Media Release:

February 28, 2011 - Nurses Welcome Court Decision to Grant Them Intervenor Status In Insite CaseSeptember 30, 2011 - Nurses Praise Supreme Court Ruling: Insite Saves Lives and Improves Health

Background Insite Resources:

RNAO Supports Access to Harm Reducing Health Care Services, including INSITE