The province of Ontario is poised to shut down five supervised drug consumption sites in Toronto this spring, prompting warnings from health officials about a potential rise in overdose cases. Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, the city's acting medical officer of health, has expressed grave concerns that first responders will face an influx of emergency calls once these sites close their doors. The provincial government is shifting its approach from harm reduction to an abstinence-based model, which includes launching 19 new "homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs" (HART hubs) and constructing 375 supportive housing units at a projected cost of $378 million.
In 2023, Toronto Paramedic Services responded to 2,802 calls related to suspected opioid overdoses. The opioid crisis claimed over 2,600 lives in the same year, with 528 fatalities occurring in Toronto alone. The rise in opioid-related deaths has been accelerated since illicit fentanyl emerged in Ontario around 2015 and was exacerbated during the pandemic. Supervised consumption sites have been deemed crucial by experts for saving lives, offering social services, and serving as gateways to treatment.
"These facilities save lives, connect people to social services and are pathways to treatment." – Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey
The Ontario government's decision to close these sites stems from safety concerns voiced by families living near them. This move aligns with a broader ban on new supervised consumption sites across the province and the closure of 10 existing ones due to their proximity to schools and daycares.
"The new legislation will reduce access to an evidence-based clinical health care service leading to an anticipated increase in preventable fatal and non-fatal overdoses." – Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey
Dr. Lamptey warns of a significant risk of increased overdose deaths following the reduction in supervised consumption services. The alternative, according to her, is individuals using drugs alone in non-healthcare settings, which can be unsafe.
"With the anticipated reduction in supervised consumption services, there is a significant risk of increased overdose deaths," – Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey
"This is because the alternative to supervised consumption is for people to use drugs alone, in non-health care settings, and in potentially unsafe environments." – Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey
Toronto Paramedic Services anticipates a surge in overdose-related calls, heightened naloxone administration demand, and more frequent hospital transports.
"Toronto Paramedic Services expects an increase in overdose-related calls, greater demand for naloxone administration, and more frequent hospital transports," – Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey
The newly introduced HART hubs aim to address these challenges by offering comprehensive care. Ema Popovic highlighted that these hubs will provide a broad spectrum of services including primary care, addiction support, and housing solutions, reflecting regional priorities.
"HART Hubs, similar to existing hub models in Ontario that have successfully provided people with care, will reflect regional priorities by connecting people to more comprehensive care than the support services previously offered at drug injection sites," – Ema Popovic
"These enhanced services include primary care, addiction care, support, supportive housing and other social services." – Ema Popovic
