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Objective
People who use/d drugs (PWUD) hold essential knowledge to guide the development of these interventions and conferences are vital fora for hearing their perspectives and building support for new policies and programs. However, little guidance exists on how to best ensure the safety of PWUD during conferences. In October 2018, a low-threshold overdose prevention site (OPS) was implemented at a national drug policy and harm reduction conference in Edmonton, Canada. The OPS provided delegates with a monitored space to consume drugs and access drug consumption supplies. This commentary describes the implementation of the OPS with the aim of providing practical guidance for organizers of future substance use-related conferences, meetings, and other events.
Findings/Key points
The OPS was located in a large salon in the convention centre on the same level as a majority of the conference proceedings. The location was selected for its ease of access and proximity to an external exit. While the door to the OPS remained open during operations, a heavy curtain was hung in the doorframe to protect the privacy and anonymity of those using the site. Upon entering the OPS, PWUD were greeted by a staff member or volunteer who did not request any personal information but instead gave each delegate a unique non-identifiable code. Staff then asked delegates what drug they planned to use and collected demographic information on a voluntary basis. Delegates then selected drug consumption supplies from a table and proceeded to one of three consumption booths. The booths were constructed from standard chairs and tables provided by the venue and tri-fold poster boards for privacy. Delegates were permitted to inject, snort, or swallow drugs within the OPS but they were not permitted to smoke them. Because Stimulus was a national conference, the organizers ensured the availability of sterile injection equipment from all jurisdictions, in order to accommodate regional differences and personal preferences. The OPS had an optional post-consumption space for monitoring by OPS staff. ... Interventions are needed to ensure the safety of delegates who consume drugs outside conference hours, which may include implementing after-hours OPS within conference hotels or working with local PWUD and service providers to develop other formal or informal supports for PWUD who are attending from out of town.
