Mother who lost son to overdose writes against injection sites

A mother whose 20-year-old son died of a drug overdose wants King County residents and lawmakers to "say no" to injection sites, according to her opinion piece published in The Seattle Times.

Safe injection sites are designated clinics where addicts can shoot up legally, and one is expected to open in Seattle within a year.

Mother Lisa DuFour, who is an attorney, questioned the effectiveness of what she called a city-sanctioned drug house.

"I agree there is a drug crisis and epidemic. We should fight it by increasing access to treatment centers, and first responders should carry naloxone kits," she wrote in part.

"Nothing can bring back my son. He died because he used drugs. But I honestly believe he would have died sooner had there been a free drug house available since it would encourage his addiction," she wrote. Read the full opinion piece on The Seattle Times' website here.

Some King County health officers believe injection sites will reduce overdoses. Staff members and nurses would be on hand to monitor and respond to overdoses, similar to the site in Vancouver, Canada.

>> Related: How would an injection site operate in Seattle?

Proponents also point to a similar housing operation in Seattle, where 75 alcoholics can drink in their rooms and have access to on-site treatment services. Studies show the operation saved taxpayers millions in housing and crisis services annually and decreased alcohol consumption in residents.

Cox Media Group