Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
On January 27 to 28, 2025, the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN) hosted a Community Substance Use Forum, “Together for Change”. This report summarizes the conversations and concerns raised throughout these discussions that are relevant to policy-makers and public health officials, including recommendations for action made by attendees representing various organizations across the province.
Findings/Key points
The findings of these discussions are outlined below across 5 key themes:
1. Supervised Consumption Sites (SCS) - action needed: reverse plans to close SCSs to prevent harm to communities.
2. Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) Programs - actions needed: long-term funding, expand physician education and adapting SOS care to transition clients from federally funded SOS programs that are closing to other providers.
3. Treatment Program Models - actions needed: refuse the expansion of involuntary treatment, invest in a range of harm reduction & treatment services, prioritize care over profit, regulation and transparent reporting, etc.
4. Indigenous-Led Approaches - actions needed: commitment to Truth & Reconciliation, Indigenous-led, culturally relevant and low barrier harm reduction & treatment with sustainable funding.
5. Northern/Rural Perspectives - actions needed: expanded access in these communities, informing communities and health care stability in remote areas.
