Commentary
by
Harris, Miriam T.H. et al
Release Date
2021
Geography
International
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
Yes
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
In this commentary, we examine the experiences in Boston and Toronto in addressing substance use in COVID-19 isolation and recovery settings. We outline how institutional, regional, and federal drug policies and substance use services facilitated or impeded care for PEH who used substances during the pandemic. We further reflect on how these experiences can inform policies for ongoing and future responses for PEH who use drugs during public health emergencies.
Findings/Key points
Calls to action that would support public health responses for people experiencing homelessness. Immediate: Establish community partnerships among community-based organizations, hospitals, and academic institutions; Increase and integrate the harm reduction workforce; Screen for substance use disorder and provide substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction services within programs for people experiencing homelessness. Future: Liberalize drug use and treatment policies for substance use disorder; Develop national Housing First strategies in consultation with people experiencing homelessness.
Keywords
Overdose
Harm reduction
Policy/Regulatory
Safer supply
Decriminalization/legalization
Advocacy
Housing
Illegal drugs
Injecting drugs
SCS/OPS
Hospitals
