COSLA’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Cllr Paul Kelly, delivered remarks at a whole-system summit on drug-related deaths on 19th June. Organised by Public Health Scotland in partnership with COSLA and Scottish Government, this event set out collective action in response to the recent increase in drug-related deaths.
Speaking to over 70 senior leaders including the First Minister, Cllr Kelly emphasised the vital role of Local Government in delivering whole-person and whole-family support which is shaped by the unique needs of our communities. COSLA’s commitment to playing our part to tackle drug-related harms is reflected in the new Strategic Plan for Alcohol and Drugs, which marks the first joint COSLA and Scottish Government approach to working together to tackling drug and alcohol harms – with prevention at its heart.
Cllr Kelly commented,
“Every death from drugs is a tragedy. Behind each life lost is a person, their family, friends and colleagues.
“It is incumbent on all of us to work together in close partnership to create resilient systems which consistently create and promote good health and wellbeing. To consider drugs and alcohol issues not in a siloed fashion, but in everything we do. To deepen partnership-working, especially across organisational boundaries. To promote a culture of learning, not driven by blame but by professional curiosity, a shared commitment to continuous improvement and crucially, to support people to live healthy lives, free from drug harms.”
See full speech here.
22nd June 2026.
