Researchers claim that public injecting in Melbourne suburbs Richmond and Abbotsford must be addressed with new health measures.
Data collected from key stakeholders identified increasing high rates of heroin-related overdose attendances by Ambulance Victoria; a fourfold increase in syringes picked up in street-sweeps; and greater risk to people re-using syringes because they cannot access sterile injecting equipment after hours and on weekends.
Among 13 recommendations made, the study highlights two main priorities: improving both access to harm reduction services and public amenity for people living and working in these areas.
Read more at Monash University