Azores seek to strengthen addiction services that remain insufficient

The creation of supervised consumption rooms in the Azores still requires coordination between the regional administration and the municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. According to Açoriano Oriental, Pedro Fins, regional director for Addiction Prevention and Control, said meetings with both councils are needed to establish the steps in the process.

The discussions come as the health authorities themselves acknowledge unmet needs. Regional Health Secretary Mónica Seidi considers that addiction services have become stronger but remain insufficient. Her assessment places the proposed rooms within a wider discussion about strengthening the support available across the region.

For people experiencing addiction and the communities affected, the significance lies in turning proposals into services. Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande are the municipal partners identified at this stage, which does not establish where the facilities will operate. The next step described is to work out the process with the councils, on which further progress depends.