Southwestern Public Health considers local drug consumption and treatment services
CBC
Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is considering establishing local drug consumption and treatment services for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
The move comes after a study into the need and feasibility for consumption and treatment services in Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas. The support for local services came from participants with lived experience with substance use, municipal partners and many community members.
"Each member of this Board witnesses almost daily the harms of the opioid crisis in our region," said Joe Preston, the board chair for SWPH and Mayor of St. Thomas in a statement.
"We support the staff looking into this further, consulting businesses, service providers and community members about how to build and support a model may reverse some of what we're seeing locally."
According to SWPH, the local rate of opioid-related emergency department visits began to increase in 2016, rising to almost 1.5 times the provincial rate in 2021. The rate of local hospitalizations has been higher compared to the province every year since 2011, and about two times the provincial rate in 2021. Opioid-related deaths have also increased over time.
The study indicated a preference for embedded consumption and treatment services over a standalone option that included mental health support and treatment on site.
Preston acknowledged that issues around addition and mental health are complex and would need to consider support such as prevention and treatment, rehabilitation and housing.
Dr. Ninh Tran, the medical officer of health for the region, said the board's external advisory committee and representatives from 15 community and public organizations came up with five recommendations based on the study.
"Opening consumption and treatment services in any community is a long journey that requires careful consultation, strong community-wide collaboration and an ardent belief that we can and should do better for people with substance use disorders," said Dr.Tran.
The next steps for the board include:
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