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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.