chapter 2: Drug Checking: Implementation of Services
Chapter 2: Drug Checking: Implementation of Services begins by answering the question: what is drug checking (DC)? What are its objectives and do people who use drugs (PWUD) want to check their drugs? It then goes through some of the main implementation steps to starting a DC service. It offers logistical considerations and an in-depth section on how to apply for a federal exemption or an Urgent Public Health Need Sites (UPHNS) designation in the Canadian context. It also aims to demystify the legal process of implementing a DC service. By sharing portraits of current drug checking projects and defining the five different models of drug checking, it will give readers an idea of what is possible in their communities. Once a model is chosen, a project must focus on human resources. A comprehensive section outlining the varying job descriptions for DC services is presented : project coordinator, HR worker and technician. DC is all about collaboration, and this part presents research and data collection ideas, and with whom the service could be collaborating with in different settings.
Learning Objectives:
Define DC and the advantages of using this HR practice.
Be familiar with the legal issues that may apply to DC, as well as the steps that can be used to minimize the legal risks for service users, drug checkers, and DC organizations.
Understand the logistics of running a DC site, including human resources and locations.
Reflect on various considerations when initiating research, collecting data, and evaluating a drug checking service.
Recognize the types of services that DC integrates and collaborates with best.