Action is needed now to stop Londoners dying from drug-related causes, according to a health committee chaired by a Green London Assembly Member.
The committee published a report that found that Naloxone can saves lives as the drug reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
England is behind Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales who have known this for some time and already have national Naloxone programmes.
The report strongly encourages the government to follow their lead and recommends that the Mayor:
-Works with the Met to ensure police carry Naloxone spray, as they are often in contact with drug users
– Uses his Drugs Commission to work with key partners to understand how to implement drug checking services in London’s clubs and music venues and should then introduce them
-Makes London lead the way in piloting drug consumption rooms
Chair of the Health Committee, Caroline Russell AM, said: “Too many people are still dying from drug-related causes in London. We investigated how to address this tragedy and find out what practical, life-saving interventions could be used to reduce drug harm in our city…”
She added that the measures recommended in the report:
“…can start to bring down the growing numbers of people sadly losing their lives due to problematic drug use.”
Read the report here: