Tools for Public Education

Due to stigma related to drug use, supervised consumption services may seem counter-intuitive to many people the first time they hear about it.

We've included some tools that you can use to start a conversation in your community.

Photos of SCS

Unless someone has seen an SCS, it may be hard to imagine what these services look like - particularly when the media frames them as "sanctioned shooting galleries" and "drug dens". It may also be useful to show a variety of models - stand alone, integrated, mobile units, tents or pop-ups - to broaden the scope of possibilities of what SCS could look like in your community.

Film Clips 

There are advocates across the United States who have described how SCS promote public health, engagement, and dignity for people who use drugs. We've compiled some short clips from a variety of perspectives - peers, doctors, pharmacists, elected officials, syringe exchange program coordinators, people in recovery, lawyers, housing advocates - on why we should support SCS in the United States.  

Community Education

Are you trying to start a discussion with your community about the benefits of SCS? Public education takes time and requires space to ask questions. You can start by hosting a screening of short documentaries followed by a panel discussion of members in your community, host the mock pop-up SCS Safe Shape, or take notes from events and actions groups have organized to highlight the need for SCS.