A CHARITY has called for the creation of an overdose prevention facility to curb the rise in recent drug-related deaths.
Extern is appealing to policy-makers and political leaders to support the creation of a facility to "help save lives on the streets of Belfast".
It comes after a recent escalation in the number of drug-related deaths, particularly in the greater Belfast area.
Latest statistics reveal there were 218 drug-related deaths registered in the north in 2020 - the highest on record and an increase from 191 deaths in the previous year.
Extern says that an overdose prevention facility could have an "impact on reducing drug-related deaths" and potentially lead to fewer emergency call-outs related to overdoses.
The facilities are specially designated spaces where people are able to take drugs safely under the supervision of trained staff, who can respond immediately to overdose.
Such facilities also allow access to sterile equipment as well as support services including drug treatment, mental health services, wound care and blood testing, among others.
The use of such facilities has also been associated with increased uptake in treatment among drug users.
Mal Byrne from Extern said that "as one of the leading organisations supporting people with problematic drug use within Northern Ireland, we are acutely aware of the risks and dangers which injecting use can pose to individuals themselves as well as local communities".
"In recent years we have been at the forefront of calling for new approaches to tackling these issues, such as needle exchange facilities." he said.
"While the tragic rise in drug-related deaths within Belfast city centre in recent weeks has brought this issue into sharper focus, it nevertheless remains a reality we and other such organisations working on the frontline encounter all year round.
"The risks of death or serious harm are becoming increasingly high for many people managing problematic drug use, to the extent that we must find a way in which they can be supported in a safe, stable environment.
"As well as helping to save lives, overdose prevention facilities can also have a positive impact on local communities by ensuring that less drug paraphernalia such as used needles are discarded in public spaces.
"While we call for the creation of an overdose prevention facility in Northern Ireland, this will require significant support from politicians and policymakers to make this a reality.
"We would therefore welcome the opportunity to discuss such a move in a positive and informed way, with the ultimate aim of saving lives and making communities safer."
