Advocating for Increased Safe Injection Sites: Role of the Nursing Profession
Abstract
The nursing profession in Canada has a vital role in advocating for the increased implementation of safe injection sites (SIS) due to the nursing role in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use. Harm reduction approaches like SIS, have proven to decrease drug overdoses, infectious diseases, and health-care burdens. Common arguments in opposition to the implementation of SIS including economic burden, community safety, and promotion of drug use are refuted in this paper. It is the nursing professional’s ethical responsibility to advocate for better health care for all members of society, including those who use drugs. We conclude that the role of nurses must include the provision of care for marginalised groups and advocacy for increased implementation of SIS in Canada.
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