What is the future of drug consumption rooms in Paris, which are often accused of being “shooting rooms” by their critics? Although the only structure of its kind in the capital, which allows drug users to consume drugs in a safe environment, does not yet know what its future holds, environmental activist candidate for municipal elections, David Belliard, wants to go further.
The guest of RMC’s morning show this Tuesday morning, the current deputy mayor of Paris in charge of the transformation of public spaces, transport and mobility, said he would like to open several places like this in the capital.
Lariboisière HSA extended?
Since 2016, Paris has had an addiction treatment center (HSA), near the Lariboisière hospital, in the 10th arrondissement. The trial was supposed to last until December 31, the system could be extended. In any case, this is what deputies decided last Saturday as part of the debate over the Social Security financing project. The transpartisan amendment (LIOT, Socialist and Ecological Party) in this regard received a favorable opinion from the Minister of Health Stéphanie Rist.
For David Belliard, there was no hesitation in closing Lariboisière HSA, which houses more than 800 drug users every year. “Residents told us that the situation in the region has calmed down. I am not saying that everything is fine, but we found fewer syringes on the street, about 30%. And then people are accompanied there. It is not a room where we just consume. There are places to rest, rest, people are surrounded by professionals who have the possibility to enroll in the treatment path,” explained the candidate.
With these arguments, David Belliard wants to believe in this system, which he wants to “defend and implement more widely”. With one goal: to eradicate drug use on the streets. “Berlin and Copenhagen have succeeded. So Paris can too,” he assured.
Two fixed and four mobile
Faced with an “overloaded” team at Lariboisière HSA, where “everyone goes”, David Belliard wants to open two new fixed locations as well as four mobile locations. “I know it may seem counterintuitive, but we need to open up other spaces elsewhere. Mobile spaces will allow us to get as close to the user as possible,” he said.
With the targeted sector: northeast Paris. David Belliard hopes to open a permanent space in the Rosa-Parks district (19th century), where street drug consumption is one of the highest in the capital. “Then the scene develops. This is why we have to place these rooms as close to the needs as possible. We are also talking about Stalingrad. This is where these devices should be installed,” continued the candidate.
