It is understandable the installation of an Automatic Syringe Dispensing Machine (ASDM) outside the Redfern Community Health Centre has raised community concerns and questions. The issues around illicit drug use are broad and complex, and have been the focus of tensions for many years around the Needle Bus on The Block. Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) has a responsibility to engage the community and to help facilitate community dialogue and understanding, not just to ensure harm minimisation.
There is a strong harm minimisation case. The SSH has posted an online statement by SLHD Chief Executive Dr Teresa Anderson. The statement in large measure reiterates an obligation to address “unacceptably high levels of HIV and hepatitis C infections among injecting drug users in the Redfern area”.
“HIV rates among injecting drugs users in the area are three times the national rate, and hepatitis C rates are 10 per cent higher than anywhere else in Australia. This is a major public health crisis and cannot be ignored.”
The establishment of “a human services group, involving NSW Health, senior police, Housing, Family and Community Services and others, to meet monthly to address Redfern’s complex social, drug and welfare issues” is welcomed. So too is the employment of Kate Reakes as a harm minimisation officer with a broader health liaison role for residents in Redfern and Waterloo.
“Effective harm minimisation policy requires a three-pronged approach to use of illicit drugs by health, law enforcement and education sectors to reduce harm, reduce supply and reduce demand,” Ms Reakes said. “That means ensuring we provide access to clean injecting equipment to reduce transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis, while also working closely with Redfern police, schools, community groups, residents, and other government departments to tackle ongoing issues around the demand and supply of drugs in the area.”
A human services group meeting at Redfern Police Station on February 25 was by all reports very positive. Members of the community interested in joining the working group can email Kate Reakes on kate.reakes@sswahs.nsw.gov.au. New members will be accepted until April 10.
As part of the ASDM’s introduction the Needle Bus will no longer operate on The Block.
