Scottish drugs task force to meet for first time
Almost 1,200 people died in Scotland as a result of taking drugs last year
After Scotland was named the drug death capital of Europe a new task force will meet for the first time today to look at why so many people are dying, and ways to stop it.
The team of 23 set up by the Scottish Government - which includes social workers, doctors and a former addict - will gather in Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon chaired by Professor Catriona Matheson of the University of Stirling.
The Scottish Government say the purpose of the group is to look at evidence about drug deaths, which reached 1,187 in 2018, and consider preventative measures, treatment options and the laws around drug use to see how to best tackle the public health crisis.
Speaking after the announcement of the taskforce's formation, Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: "What Scotland faces in terms of drug deaths is an emergency - addressing that will need new approaches even if at first they may be challenging.
"Our new taskforce has the desire and the experience required to tackle this problem and I look to them to help shape how services in Scotland could help save lives.
"Building on increases in funding in recent years, we're investing a further £20 million over the next two years to help deliver the proposals that come forward.
"We will also host a drug summit in Glasgow to further explore this issue, ensuring that the voices of those with experience of using drugs, and their families, are also heard. I've repeatedly invited the UK Government to attend this summit - I hope they will soon commit to doing so.
"There are no easy answers, but if we're to save lives we need a recognition that change is both necessary and, with the right support, achievable.''
Professor Matheson added: "We have undertaken a lot of work to prepare for the first taskforce meeting so that we can hit the ground running.
"Having said that, the scale of the challenge is considerable and I appeal to the wider community to continue to be supportive to enable us to address together the tragedy of drug deaths affecting communities across Scotland.
"I am extremely heartened we have pulled together a strong team who have given their full commitment to the aims of the taskforce."