London InterCommunity Health Centre's Safer Opioid Supply Program Evaluation - Full Preliminary Report

Report
by
Kolla, Gillian et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

No

Findings/Key points

Clients in the SOS program overwhelmingly appreciated the program, finding that it was reducing their overdose risk by providing a known dose of a pharmaceutical medication. They also felt that it was helping them to stabilize their health, improve their social functioning and well-being. When speaking about staff members, SOS clients referred to feeling that they are treated with respect and being provided with compassionate care that meets their health needs. LIHC staff also observed positive impacts of the SOS program on clients. However, staff also addressed the continuing negative impacts of the homelessness crisis in London on SOS clients, highlighting how this creates difficulties finding appropriate sheltering options for people living on the street and contributing to negative health and social impacts.

Keywords

About PWUD
Safer supply
Housing
Poverty
Stigma