RSPH calls for drug testing facilities as standard at festivals

Royal Society of Public Health believes this will help minimise the risk of serious health harm as a result of drug use at festivals this summer. The call comes at a time when an increase in deaths related to the use of ‘club drugs’. Ecstasy deaths in England and Wales up almost six-fold from 10 in 2010 to 57 in 2015.

It also for the same safety testing facilities for city centre nightlife areas with clubs where drug use is common.

Drug safety testing was piloted in the UK at two festivals last summer, with the support of local police and public health. Initial results indicated that almost one in five users disposed of their drugs once they knew the true content.

 

Read the RSPH policy document here DrugSafetyTesting-jun17-final

Published 24th July 2017

Related Articles:

Find your nearest Drop-In Centre

Find Help