Supervised injection facilities

Supervised injection facilities (SIFs) are controlled health care settings where people can more safely inject drugs under clinical supervision and receive health care, counseling and referrals to health and social services, including drug treatment. There is overwhelming evidence that SIFs are effective in reducing new HIV infections, overdose deaths and public nuisance – and that they do not increase drug use or criminal activity. There are currently 92 such facilities operating in 62 cities around the world – but none in the U.S.

SIFs can play a vital role as part of a larger public health approach to drug policy. SIFs are intended to complement – not replace – existing prevention, harm reduction and treatment interventions.

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