Hyggen clarifies decision regarding Overdose Prevention Site
Landon Hickok- 0
- 1 minute read
A motion from Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen saw council vote in favour of requesting the closure of the Overdose Prevention Site last week, claiming the temporary site has served its purpose.
The OPS, run by Alberta Health Services took over much of the services from the previous Supervised consumption Site in 2020, with a heavy emphasis on “recovery-oriented support” according to AHS.
With overdose deaths dropping around 90 percent since 2023, the mayor says the OPS is no longer needed due to significantly less visits, as it was always meant to be temporary. But on Thursday, he went on to clarify the reasoning after an open letter began circulating opposing city council’s decision.
