Applications for Timmins' permanent overdose prevention site are sent
Officials with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Cochrane-Timiskaming said they're optimistic that a permanent overdose prevention site will be approved within the year.
Dr. Paul Jalbert, executive director for the area CMHA, said now that Timmins council has endorsed a provincially-funded supervised consumption site, applications to the provincial and federal governments have been submitted.
“We’re hopeful from Health Canada we can start a conversation after their initial review maybe six weeks from now or so and then the Ministry of Health some time after that, but also we continue the engagement work particularly with the near neighbours and with the downtown core,” said Jalbert.
“I’m hopeful that we can see something in six months but six to nine months is probably more realistic."
The temporary Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST) was opened in July and is managed by the Timmins and District Hospital.
Hospital officials said in the first six months of operation it saw more than 10,000 visits with almost half of those to consume substances on site. The other visitors were seeking a variety of other services offered at the site.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
When it becomes a permanent faculty at the Cedar Street North location, the local CMHA will run it. Jalbert said improved access to services including housing support and primary care will be offered at that time.
“As a mental health and addictions service provider, we can tie people from this harm reduction service to a treatment service just about immediately if they want to make that connection, so really seamless for the individual who’s coming in,” he said.
Porcupine Health Unit officials said a provincially-funded supervised consumption site is one part of a larger comprehensive approach with the Timmins and Area Drug Strategy to address substance use in the region.
Officials told CTV News that while SHST saves lives – so far twenty-two overdoses were reversed –it also saves money since visits to emergency room visits and paramedic response calls are more expensive.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.