Radical action is needed to save lives
Here’s what our local politicians had to say on the latest drug death figures.
Dr Lisa Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, said:“These figures are extremely concerning and behind each one is a local family left to grieve immeasurably. I understand that the majority of drug-related deaths have been linked with polysubstance abuse of heroin and benzodiazepines, so clearly harm reduction initiatives must be stepped up.”
EK MSP Linda Fabiani said:“Although it is encouraging to see that drug-related deaths have decreased within South Lanarkshire, it is important that we do not become complacent when it comes to tackling drug-related deaths in Scotland.
“The Scottish Government are currently developing a refreshed substance use strategy with the aim of preventing further drug-related deaths. The new strategy will look at how services can adapt to find people most in need and deliver services that address their specific circumstances.
“In addition to the refreshed strategy, the Scottish Government have also allocated an additional £20 million to improve drug and alcohol treatment services in 2018-19 and for each year of this parliament.”
Monica Lennon, Labour MSP for Central Scotland, said: “Substance misuse in Scotland is a national public health emergency and the latest statistics on drug-related deaths tell a story of human misery. Families have to live with the bereavement for the rest of their lives. “Despite repeated warnings from medical experts and the recovery community, the Scottish Government and its statutory agencies are failing to take the right steps to prevent and reduce substance-related harm and that includes alcohol. We need to see radical action with resources to back it up. “My casework holds up a mirror to the desperation in our communities, where people find barriers instead of help and the stigma of substance misuse cloaks families in shame. I can paper the walls of my office with letters I have exchanged with SNP ministers on substance misuse but I won’t give up and I’ve written to the new minister for public health to keep pushing for action.” Graham Simpson, Tory MSP for Central Scotland, said:“Whatever respective Scottish Governments have tried has not worked, that is plain from the statistics. We need a radical and urgent drugs strategy. “People are sick of the drugs scourge in Scotland which is worse than anywhere else in Europe. By collaborating and working together, all parties in the Scottish Parliament need to contribute to a new strategy that can start turning this appalling situation around.”