Harm reduction workers say supervised consumption sites and safer supply programs need to be expanded to prevent further overdose deaths in Toronto, a call that comes after several recent suspected opioid deaths.
Toronto Public Health issued a drug alert recently, saying there were 10 suspected opioid overdose-related deaths between July 17 and 21.
"Most sites are open during the day. There are no 24-hour sites. There are no seven days a week sites. So people are using safely when they have the option," Kent said.Kent said "robust" safer supply programs – which provide prescribed medications as alternatives to illegal drugs – are necessary to address the "toxic supply" in Toronto.
"Ultimately, we'd like to see an established, regulated system for opioids and non-medical drugs, because we have the policy responses available to us to dramatically reduce what we're seeing in terms of both fatal and non-fatal overdoses." In a statement, Toronto Public Health said the COVID-19 pandemic has "exacerbated the opioid crisis, contributing to an unprecedented increase in opioid-related deaths." Preliminary data from the Toronto Overdose Information System show that there were 511 confirmed opioid toxicity deaths in the city in 2021 and 539 such deaths in 2020 — record high numbers.
"Until the federal government decriminalizes and regulates drugs, and other levels of government support safer alternatives, such as pharmaceutical quality options, we will keep seeing alerts and people will continue to die unnecessary deaths from the volatile, toxic unregulated drug supply," Boyce said.
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Toronto harm reduction workers call for robust safe supply program to prevent deathsHarm reduction workers in Toronto say supervised consumption sites and safe supply programs need to be expanded to prevent more overdose deaths in the city.
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Toronto harm reduction workers call for robust safe supply program to prevent deaths
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Toronto harm reduction workers call for robust safe supply program to prevent deathsHarm reduction workers in Toronto say supervised consumption sites and safe supply programs need to be expanded to prevent more overdose deaths in the city.
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Toronto harm reduction workers call for robust safe supply program to prevent deaths - Toronto | Globalnews.caToronto Public Health issued a drug alert recently, saying there were 10 suspected opioid overdose-related deaths last week.
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Toronto harm reduction workers call for robust safe supply program to prevent deathsTORONTO - Harm reduction workers in Toronto say supervised consumption sites and safe supply programs need to be expanded to prevent more overdose dea...
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Toronto harm reduction workers call for robust safe supply program to prevent deathsTORONTO - Harm reduction workers in Toronto say supervised consumption sites and safe supply programs need to be expanded to prevent more overdose dea...
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