Victoria’s first fixed site pill testing service opens its doors in Fitzroy

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) warmly welcomes the opening of Victoria’s first fixed-site pill testing service, located at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

The offering of this health service at a fixed site - a first in Victoria – heralds a major step to reduce drug harm, hopefully leading the way for other states across the country to follow.

As a social justice organisation striving for a poverty free Australia, BSL works closely with many community members affected by drug use and addiction, whether directly or through their families.

“At BSL we firmly believe people who use drugs should be able to access non-judgmental health services that treat them with dignity, keep them safe, and support their choices and goals – whether that’s safer use, treatment, or recovery.” Dr Travers McLeod, Executive Director at BSL said today.

“We applaud the Victorian government for providing this essential health service and are proud to support all the partners to deliver this important initiative.”

Funded by the Victorian Department of Health, the Victorian Pill Testing Service is operated by a consortium of leading harm reduction and healthcare organisations – Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS), The Loop Australia, Harm Reduction Victoria, Youth Projects, Melbourne Health, and Metabolomics Australia (University of Melbourne).

The service will operate from the ground floor of 95 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, a site owned by BSL. The Department of Health (the Department) conducted an extensive site search and determined 95 Brunswick Street was the most appropriate location for the fixed site pill testing service, based on its proximity to public transport options and an assessment of surrounding community facilities, including health and social services. BSL is not involved in the day-to-day delivery of the Victorian Pill Testing Service.

For more information about the Victorian Pill Testing Service visit the Department of Health’s website www.health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs/pill-testing or the service providers website www.ysas.org.au/victorian-pill-testing-service/