Many communities are experiencing a drug toxicity disaster and the City of Barrie isn’t any exception.

In 2022, Barrie had the third-highest charge of opioid-related deaths amongst Ontario’s massive municipalities (inhabitants of 100,000 or extra). Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities throughout the nation noticed dramatic will increase in these deaths. In 2022, 60 opioid poisoning deaths occurred in Barrie, about double the quantity seen previous to the pandemic — after we had been already experiencing alarming num

bers — and greater than double the provincial common. More than half of these 60 individuals had been younger adults between 20 and 44 years of age, and all left behind grieving households, mates, and communities.

Opioid-related deaths in Canada have risen dramatically since 2016, largely because of the unlawful and unregulated drug provide. This provide is unpredictable and turning into more and more poisonous. In specific, deaths proceed to be pushed largely by fentanyl. It is just not unusual for different fillers and substances to be included within the drug provide, comparable to benzodiazepines, that multiply the consequences on the physique and additional enhance an individual’s threat of a deadly opioid poisoning.

Harm-reduction methods for substance use assist to scale back hurt in individuals who use substances. Some of those methods embrace the distribution of naloxone that may quickly reverse the consequences of an opioid poisoning, needle-exchange applications, drug-checking companies that take a look at samples of the native unregulated drug provide, and consumption and therapy companies (CTS) websites.

These methods are efficient and for a few years the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has supplied needle-exchange and naloxone programming all through our area.

CTS websites will help save lives and contribute to safer communities by offering a secure and clear house for individuals to make use of their very own substances beneath the care of educated employees. They supply companies which can be respectful of the individual and join them to addictions therapy, psychological well being care, major care, housing, and different social helps. A CTS website may also present drug-checking companies and counselling that may assist a person make an knowledgeable choice about their deliberate use of a substance.

CTS websites have operated in Canada and internationally for a number of many years and constant proof exhibits their optimistic outcomes. CTS websites have confirmed to assist stop deaths and hospital visits associated to drug poisonings, and to extend uptake of dependancy therapy and different well being and social companies. CTS websites have been proven to not enhance crime, however as a substitute enhance public order and security by lowering the presence of discarded needles and drug paraphernalia in addition to lowering public drug use.

In October 2021, after two years of collaborative efforts and consultations, the Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County department utilized to each Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health for a CTS website at 11 Innisfil St. in Barrie. In September 2022, Health Canada authorised the applying by granting an exemption to Section 56.1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, we proceed to await the Ministry of Health’s approval and funding choice.

The well being unit continues to be a powerful supporter of the present CTS software for Barrie. We consider {that a} CTS website in Barrie will assist save lives and join individuals to many very important companies of their local people, and we consider that the broader group will profit. For extra details about the CTS software please go to the SMDHU consumption and treatment services web page.

Dr. Lisa Simon is an affiliate medical officer of well being on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Her pursuits and first tasks are within the areas of substance use prevention and hurt discount, continual illness prevention, baby well being, and well being fairness.