Medically Supervised Injecting Room trial
The Victorian Government is moving forward with plans to reduce drug harm and save lives in North Richmond. In 2017, following the large number of Victorian lives lost to drug-related overdoses, the government announced it would be trialling a medically supervised injecting room (MSIR) at the North Richmond Community Health (NRCH) site, on Lennox Street in Richmond.
The department has been working closely with MSIR Expert Advisory Group to inform the development of regulations and internal management protocols for the room. The group has broad membership, including experts in the alcohol and other drug sector, and in community safety, regulation, and other disciplines.
The internal refurbishment for the transitional facility is expected to begin in April 2018 and finish in mid-2018. It is expected to continue at that location until mid-2019 when all operations will move to a purpose-built facility to provide more capacity for the services that link people to the treatment, rehabilitation and support they need.
The department is establishing a Gateway Services Reference Group to consider ways to improve service coordination for clients, and increase access to and engagement with local services. The membership will include broad representation from the AOD health, mental health and homelessness sectors, as well as Aboriginal community representatives, legal, women’s and family violence services.
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