(OSHAWA) – Durham Region residents are invited to share their thoughts about a proposed Consumption Treatment Services (CTS) site to be located in Oshawa.
Lakeridge Health, John Howard Society of Durham Region and Durham Region Health Department are currently working together on a proposal for a CTS site in Oshawa. The proposal is part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent, treat and reduce the harms of opioid use in Durham Region.
Oshawa has the sixth highest emergency department visit rate for opioid poisoning in Ontario and the highest number of opioid overdoses in Durham Region. In 2017 and 2018, 68 per cent of suspected opioid overdose calls to Region of Durham Paramedic Services were in Oshawa.
“A Consumption Treatment Services site would respond to a clear need in our community,” said Paul McGary, Director of Mental Health and Addictions, Lakeridge Health. “This service is an entry point to care for many people with addictions, connecting them with treatment and support, reducing drug overdoses and saving lives.”
CTS sites offer harm reduction services including real-time education on safer use practices and a supervised drug consumption environment together with immediate on-site treatment and connection to medical and social services. It is a proven approach to reducing drug overdoses and infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
Studies show that these facilities increase community safety by preventing people from injecting in public places, such as restrooms, parks or parking lots. Evidence to date also indicates that these sites are not associated with increased drug use or crime.
“This collaborative approach to a system-wide problem will both improve the lives of those with addictions and contribute to a healthier community overall,” said Dianna Eastwood, Executive Director, John Howard Society of Durham Region.
CTS sites are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of a provincial response to the opioid crisis, in a model to connect people with addiction treatment and rehabilitation services.
“Durham Region Health Department is pleased to be working with Lakeridge Health and John Howard Society of Durham Region to develop a proposal for a consumption and treatment services site,” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “We encourage all residents to participate in the survey and share their thoughts.”
The partners are undertaking a comprehensive consultation process to inform the submission to the federal and provincial governments. They are seeking input from community members, people with mental health conditions and addictions, experts, local businesses, partners and government representatives. The confidential survey is available online at Durham.ca and will be open until March 8.
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