Consumption and Treatment Services benefit the community

Jun 26, 2023

Harms related to opioids are on the rise across Ontario, with an increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to overdose. Between January 2018 and September 2022, 1,499 emergency department visits were related to opioid poisoning in Barrie.

One key way to alleviate this pressure on the local health system and increase public safety is with the introduction of consumption and treatment services (CTS) to the community. CTS benefit the community by:

• Preventing deaths and hospital visits due to drug overdose
• Providing cost-effective health care
• Improving public order and reducing the number of injections taking place on the street
• Reducing unsafe injection practices, which can lead to the transmission of blood borne infections

Consistent, high-quality evidence suggests CTS have no impact on crime and improves public order and safety by reducing the presence of discarded needles, drug paraphernalia and public drug use. For example, since the opening of a CTS in Guelph the community has reported seeing fewer discarded needles, decreased emergency department visits and the prevention of overdoses due to opioid poisoning.

In contrast, there is no evidence that these services lead to an increase in drug use or drug-related crimes. People do not start using drugs because these services are offered. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch, has received approval from Health Canada for an application to permit a CTS in Barrie, and has been waiting more than 20 months on approval from the Ministry of Health to proceed. Consumption and treatment services sites help save lives and create safer communities. For more information on CTS, including the local application history and community consultations involved in the process, visit www.smdhu.org/CTS.