Home / Health / Ottawa Overdose Spike After Consumption Sites Close
Ottawa Overdose Spike After Consumption Sites Close
14 Oct
Summary
- Supervised consumption sites closure led to an overdose increase.
- Naloxone kits at Ottawa Mission increased tenfold since June.
- Paramedics responded to 87 suspected overdose calls last week.
An increase in overdoses has been observed in Ottawa since the provincial government closed supervised consumption sites earlier this year. The Ottawa Mission has seen a tenfold increase in the use of naloxone kits and a rise in drug paraphernalia found on its premises, placing a strain on resources. These closures, which occurred in June, followed the government's decision to shift focus to recovery and treatment through HART Hubs.
Advocates and public health officials had previously warned about potential consequences, and their concerns appear to be materializing. Frontline staff are now more vigilant in addressing public drug consumption in non-traditional spaces. Ottawa police have also noted a renewed spike in overdoses linked to toxic drugs after a two-year decline, impacting police and paramedic resources.
Data from Ottawa Public Health indicates paramedics responded to 87 suspected overdose calls last week, a slight increase compared to the same week last year. A local drop-in center reports an increase in open drug use and violent incidents, with staff encountering overdoses daily. Nearly half of surveyed Ottawa residents believe assisting the homeless should be a top priority in the upcoming municipal election.
