Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas residents asked to weigh in on drug treatment options
CBC News | Posted: February 22, 2023 8:18 PM | Last Updated: February 22, 2023
Online survey is available until March 8
Southwestern Public Health is asking people to help them assess the need for a supervised consumption site and treatment services in the region with an online survey.
The health unit is inviting workers, students and residents in the Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas regions who are over the age of 18 to participate. It's also doing a feasibility study to bolster the case of a site.
Recent public health statistics show that opioid-related deaths have increased in the region, and that the mortality rate is higher than the provincial average. The health unit says more than three people died each month in 2021, compared to approximately 1 person in 2019.
"We need the community's support to explore ways to reduce drug-related overdoses, injuries, and infections; and to do that, we need your help," said Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health. "It is important that everyone has a chance to participate in developing solutions to complex social issues.
"There is an urgent need to increase support, health services and treatment options for people who use harmful substances," Dr. Tran said. "One such option is a Consumption and Treatment Service."
A permanent supervised consumption site is opening in the coming days in London. The city's run a temporary site since 2018, with an average of 70 to 75 visits daily. London was one of the first cities in Ontario to open a consumption site but other communities, including Timmins, have since followed.
Advocates and health care workers say the aim of the sites is to connect people to wrap-around supports, including health, social and housing services.
As part of its feasibility study, the health unit conducted interviews with people who have experienced addiction. It also ran focus groups earlier this year with business owners, community service providers, and health care workers.
This recent survey offers the public a series of questions designed to explore the possibilities of new services locally. It can be found here SWPH website. The online survey is available until March 8.