The health unit that covers municipalities in Elgin and Oxford has opened a survey to determine whether those struggling with opioid addiction should have a supervised site where they can use drugs.
According to recent statistics from the Southwestern Public Health Unit (SWPH), opioid-related deaths have increased in the area to the point where the mortality rate is higher than the provincial average. The health unit said the average number of fatal overdoses recorded per month jumped from 1.42 per month in 2019 to 3.83 in 2021. As a result, local health officials conducted a feasibility study to explore if Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) are needed within the community. The services could include a supervised consumption site for users of narcotics.
CTS are services where people who use substances can do so while accompanied by a supportive staff person and access wrap-around support, linking them to important health and social services such as housing, income support, mental health care, treatment, etc.
"There is an urgent need to increase support, health services and treatment options for people who use harmful substances," said SWPH Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ninh Tran. "We need the community's support to explore ways to reduce drug-related overdoses, injuries, and infections and to do that, we need [the community's] help."
During the study, SWPH conducted interviews with people with living or lived experience of substance use, focus groups, business owners, community service providers and health care workers. Now the health agency is offering the public the opportunity to answer questions created to explore the potential for new services locally.
"It is important that everyone has a chance to participate in developing solutions to complex social issues," said Tran. "Adults living, working, or going to school in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas are invited to share their thoughts and opinions about CTS services by participating in an online survey, which asks about barriers, facilitators, and potential ways we can deliver Consumption and Treatment Services."
Those interested in taking the survey can find it on the health unit's website. Participants must be at least 18-years-old and either live, work or go to school in Elgin or Oxford counties.
The survey will close on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Community members needing additional support to complete the survey can reach out to the health unit by email at ctsf.study@swpublichealth.ca, or by calling 1-800-922-0096.
