A new report has revealed that heroin-related ambulance call-outs dropped significantly in the areas surrounding Melbourne’s medically supervised injecting room during its first five years of operation.
The study found monthly ambulance calls fell from around 48 incidents in 2018 to about 14 by the end of 2023 — a reduction of more than 70 per cent.
The medically supervised injecting room in Richmond was opened in 2018 to reduce overdose deaths and provide medical support for people using drugs.
Researchers said the facility helped reduce overdoses occurring in streets and public areas, while also connecting people with health, treatment and support services.
However, some local residents and businesses continue to raise concerns about safety and the impact on the surrounding communit.
The debate over supervised injecting facilities remains ongoing, with supporters highlighting harm reduction benefits and critics calling for stronger community protections.
