Understanding consumption and treatment services

Jun 14, 2023

Ontario is facing a significant climb in the harms related to opioids, with an increase in emergency room visits, hospitalizations and fatal overdoses. In the City of Barrie alone, deaths due to opioid poisoning have doubled since the pandemic, with 60 opioid-related deaths in the city in 2022 alone.

To help address this urgent health issue, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch, (CMHA-SCB) has applied to secure approval and funding to implement a consumption and treatment services site (CTS) in Barrie. CTS are part of a harm reduction approach that provides:

• Client education
  • Overdose prevention (naloxone, oxygen)
  • Harm reduction supplies, including safe drug use equipment
  • Wraparound services including addictions treatment, primary care, mental health, housing and/or social supports

An important health service, CTS can be the first step into treatment for some people. People who are likely to use a CTS may struggle with poverty, homelessness, social isolation, employment, mental health, and trauma. The service is designed for clients that already use drugs and who may have been using drugs for a long time. They provide a safe and clean space for people to use their own drugs under the care of trained healthcare providers and staff and are proven to help save lives and build safer communities.

CMHA-SCB received approval from Health Canada to permit the use of controlled drugs and substances at a CTS in Barrie and is currently waiting for approval from the Ministry of Health.  For more information on CTS, including the local application history and community consultations involved in the process, visit www.smdhu.org/CTS.