Sunday, September 15, 2024

Drug consumption site users fear outcome of site closures

First Published:

Supervised drug consumption site users say they are afraid of what’s to come when 10 such sites close next year.

Reggie Garrett remembers when he was first saved at the Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre in downtown Toronto.

He says he came to with a staff member standing over him after giving Garrett an opioid antidote.

Garrett says that made him feel like someone cared about him, the first time in a long time he felt love.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones recently outlined a fundamental shift in the province’s approach to the overdose crisis.

Ontario will shutter the 10 sites because they’re too close to schools and daycares, and the government will prohibit any new ones from opening as it moves to an abstinence-based treatment model.

READ MORE: Ontario to ban supervised consumption sites near schools, Hamilton facility to close

The province has said it will be creating 19 new “homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs,” plus 375 highly supportive housing units at a cost of 378-million dollars as it enforces its new rules.

Jeanne Hamilton says she too was saved from an overdose and has since become trained as a harm-reduction worker.

Garrett, Hamilton and several others say they feel unheard and that their lives are not worth as much as others.

More Top News

Explore unique, delicious foods at Supercrawl this weekend

Ice cream, corn dogs, and pierogies are some of the delicious food options at this year's Supercrawl event. Simone Gavros showcases all the dishes you...

Lacrosse tournament raises money for young athletes in Niagara Region

Around 100 people attended a lacrosse tournament in St. Catharines on Saturday to raise funds for youth athletes in the Niagara Region. Families were enjoying...

Protesters call on Ford government to prioritize healthcare over highways

A demonstration took place at Eastgate Square in Hamilton on Saturday, where a small group of people gathered to urge the Ford government to...

Evening weather forecast for September 14, 2024

Shelly Marriage shares the forecast for September 14, 2024.

Hamilton trails close for the week for repairs

Both the Waterfront and Desjardins recreational trails will be closed for the week for repairs starting Monday, Sept. 16. Desjardins Trail will be closed from...

Hamilton man dies after 2-vehicle collision in Hagersville

Haldimand OPP are investigating a two-vehicle collision in Haldimand County that took the life of a 22-year-old Hamilton man. The incident occurred at the intersection...