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
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.