Southwestern Public Health’s study into the feasibility of drug treatment and consumption services in the region was met in cautious fashion at Monday’s city council meeting.
Councillors Gary Clarke and Jim Herbert conceded what the city is presently undertaking to deal with the opioid crisis is not working.
However Mayor Joe Preston is wary of choosing such an option as a safe consumption site at this time.
In the health unit’s coverage area, the average number of monthly deaths from opioid overdoses increased to almost four in 2021.
In the course of 12 months (April 2020 to March 2021), there were 43 opioid-related deaths in the Southwestern Public Health coverage area.
However before buying into any proposal, Preston wants to see the results of efforts already underway in the city, including the impact of two housing projects undertaken in partnership with Indwell which include addiction services on site.
At 20.5 opioid-related deaths in the health unit’s coverage area per 100,000 population, that is higher than the provincial rate of 18.7 deaths per 100,000.
Medical officer of health Dr. Ninh Tran has warned the opioid crisis is having a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.
According to the health unit, there are four main goals for consumption and treatment services:
• Save lives by reducing the number of fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses.
• Reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs.
• Connect people who use drugs with primary health care services, addictions treatment, and social services like housing and other supports.
• Create a safer community by reducing drug use in public spaces and providing options for proper needle disposal.
You can find such centres now operating in London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and Hamilton.
Written by Ian McCallum
