Sudbury’s safe consumption site has reversed three ODs since it opened
The people behind the supervised drug consumption site say that 69 people have made 126 visits to the Sudbury location since it opened at the end of September.
On three occasions, the Réseau ACCESS Network said staff were able to reverse overdoses.
"The agency is sharing the figures as the federal government will be making the statistics for supervised consumption sites across the country publicly available," Amber Fritz, Réseau’s manager of supervised consumption services, is quoted as saying in a news release Thursday.
"While the agency initially withheld the numbers to foster an environment of trust with people accessing the service as per industry best practices, the government decision made it possible for the agency to release the numbers prior to receiving provincial funding."
While there were few visits in September, usage of the site saw a 65 per cent increase over the last two months, with 46 visits in October and 76 in November.
Overall, 86.7 of visitors have been men with 51 per cent using fentanyl. The site is located at 24 Energy Court, between the Beer Store and the Independent Grocer on Lorne Street.
"Despite the challenges presented by a location outside the downtown, the supervised consumption site’s uptake has grown steadily," said Fritz.
“It is encouraging that people who use drugs feel comfortable within the space and continue to visit the site to access services.”
“While statistics are important, it is vital to remember that these numbers represent people, lives saved, and a need for change in drug policy so systemically oppressed people can access services without stigma, judgment, or unreasonable requirements,” Réseau said in the news release.
“Supervised consumption sites (SCS) are places where people who use drugs (PWUD) can go to use pre-obtained drugs in a safe, empathetic place, free of stigma and discrimination. SCS are shown to help reduce the harms associated with criminalized drug use and help empower PWUD to make decisions regarding their own care.”
Correction
The numbers of visits, consumptions and unique members provided by Reseaux Access Network Thursday were updated Friday after it noticed the breakdown between October and November were transposed. The infographic with the correct numbers, showing an increase in November when compared to October, has been attached.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.