Inmates released from Sudbury Jail face homelessness, toxic drug scene
Two local agencies that work with the homeless are concerned about the lack of support for people released from the Sudbury Jail.
The John Howard Society said some inmates are released from jail and go directly to living on the streets. In turn, that leads to them using drugs from a toxic supply.
Overdoses are the end result.
"Unfortunately we are continuing to see people affected by substance abuse," said Sarah Berghammer, CEO of the John Howard Society Sudbury.
“One thing that brings us hope is that we have a safe consumption site here in Sudbury … It's only be operational for a couple of months but I am hopeful that with that service that they are able to save some of the people that we are losing."
Berghammer said inmates often get out of jail in Sudbury with no release plan. Even discussing the dangers of substance abuse could help, she said.
"They could … remind them about substance use and how their level of tolerance may be low,” said Berghammer.
“There is some education that they could do that wouldn't take that much time.”
In response to a request, the Ministry of the Solicitor General sent this statement:
“The ministry has worked closely with the Ministry of Health to distribute nasal naloxone kits directly to at-risk inmates at all provincial correctional facilities at the time of their release. The ministry is also actively working with community health partners to identify care pathways for people with mental health and addictions needs who are returning to community care settings.”
The Homelessness Network said people who use drugs and spend time in institutions like hospitals, therapeutic facilities or jails can face risks upon their release.
"If they are without utilizing their drugs for a while their bodies change and sometimes they think can start using at the same level they did before entering an institution that would put them at extreme risk for overdosing," said Ray Landry, the coordinator of the Homelessness Network.
Both the Homelessness Network and the John Howard Society said connecting people with community supports and resources before their release from an institution could help save lives.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
Is it cold, flu or norovirus? Symptoms explained
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Freeland leaves capital gains tax change out of coming budget implementation bill, here's why
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass a sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget, though left out of the legislation will be the government's proposed capital gains tax change.
Anger can harm your blood vessel function, study shows
Stress and anger can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, studies have shown. New research points to just how the mechanism may work.
Ontario's police watchdog continues probe of high-speed pursuit involving fatal crash
The investigation continues into a collision that killed two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong way of Highway 401 east of Toronto.
Ontario woman surprised after 20-year-old fines suddenly tank credit score
An Ontario woman says that she was shocked when fines from 20 years ago suddenly tanked her credit score last week, but the situation may not be as unusual as it seems, according to at least one debt expert.
Search continues for 'armed man' in Dartmouth, N.S.
Police say they continue to search for an armed man who allegedly threatened people in Dartmouth, N.S.
Swarm of bees delays Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles game in Arizona. An 'MVP' beekeeper came to the rescue
Major League Baseball fans had an unexpected buzz on Tuesday after a swarm of bees delayed the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game for around two hours.
Newfoundland fisherman says police broke his leg during protest that delayed budget
Richard Martin is spending this year's fishing season on land after he says a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer broke his left leg in three places during a protest last month that shut down the provincial legislature.