By Canadian Press

Group raises concerns over proposed site at Drumheller prison to prevent overdoses

Jun 13, 2019 | 12:29 PM

DRUMHELLER, Alta. – An advocacy group has raised doubts over whether an overdose prevention site proposed for a southern Alberta prison will work.

The Correctional Service of Canada says it has received a Health Canada exemption that would permit the site at Drumheller Institution by the end of the month.

The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network says the site would be no replacement for a needle exchange program, which only exists in six Canadian prisons, and not in Drumheller.

The group says it supports supervised consumption sites on principle, but has reservations about how they would work in correctional facilities.

It says there’s not enough trust and confidentiality in the current prison environment for such a site to be a success.

BEEWISE PROTOTYPE SHOWCASE

Lacombe high school students cause a buzz at Calgary AZTech Awards

12h ago

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Three central Albertans recipients of Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards

Oct 05, 2024

town calls suit 'frivolous and vexatious

Sylvan Lake council member suing municipality, mayor and CAO for $317,000

Oct 05, 2024

It says needle exchange programs have been proven to function well behind bars in protecting prisoners’ health.

(The Canadian Press)