Drug Use and Dignity: Exploring the Potential for Supervised Consumption Sites in King County, Washington

In this one-hour webinar, which is part of the Hot Topics series, members of the Seattle and King County Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force discuss implementing “supervised consumption sites” to address the health and social harms of substances.

Learning Objectives

• List the eight recommendations made by the Seattle and King County Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force.
• Describe the evidence supporting supervised consumption sites as an effective harm reduction and public health intervention.
• Discuss common community concerns about supervised consumption sites and how to address them.

Intended Audiences

Local, state, and tribal public health professionals; staff working in behavioral health programs, drug treatment services, and law enforcement

Presenters

Brad Finegood, MA, LMHC, Assistant Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, King County Department of Community and Human Services

Dan Otter, RN, MPH(c), public health student, University of Washington

Discussion Questions

1. What about the health risks associated with illegal substances has led to historically favoring a criminal justice approach over a public health approach?
2. In what ways have the “war on drugs” reduced or exacerbated the health risks associated with illegal substances?
3. Why are some communities uncomfortable with supervised consumption sites, and how would you address their concerns?

Resources

• Seattle and King County Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force