By Rosalind Russell – Sudbury & District Public Health and the City of Greater Sudbury’s Greater Sudbury Summit on Toxic Drugs have concluded now is the time for collective action.
According to public health board chair, Rene Lapierre, the first-of-its-kind event has set the stage for a more unified community response to the toxic drug crisis—emphasizing collaboration, compassion, and evidence-based approaches.
He says there is no one-size-fits-all solution and it is very complex issue.
He says the number of people dying from opioid toxicity increased by over 500% from 2017 to 2020 and that accidental overdoses are the leading cause of deaths in people under the age of 50.
Lapierre emphasizes the summit identified opportunities for further exploration to create a more comprehensive community response around safer supply, safer spaces for people to use substances, supportive housing, a centre for excellence in mental health and substance use and more.
He adds in the new year, a report will be published to provide details in tackling this complex issue.
For more information on the Summit, visit www.phsd.ca/clinics-classes-events/toxic-drug-summit.
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