Benefits of Supervised Injection Facilities

The Portland Hotel Society upholds a commitment to providing safe housing and ancillary services for individuals in need. The Portland Hotel Society co-manages the InSite Supervised Injection Facility as one of these services, in keeping with the society's dedication to respectful services for those struggling with addiction.

At a supervised injection facility, individuals with drug addictions can inject self-owned substances under the watchful eyes of health care professionals. Individuals can use the facility without risking arrest and with the knowledge that if an overdose occurs, help is immediately available.

Cities have been introducing such sites in response to widespread opiate addiction and the associated stigma. Because many individuals with addictions also face homelessness or uncertain housing, they frequently inject on the streets or in public restrooms, and they often risk overdose as well as in infection from reused or dirty needles. By providing these individuals with a safe space, supervised injection facility staff can not only reduce these risks but also offer treatment referrals and increase the rate at which individuals with addictions enter treatment.