Local residents can share their thoughts about a permanent overdose prevention site with a new survey.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is asking residents to fill out a survey about the need for and the feasibility of an overdose prevention site — also called a safe injection site or consumption treatment services (CTS) — in Timmins.
A temporary safe injection site is slated to open its doors downtown Timmins this year. This survey is not about that location. The results will be used to help inform local planning for a provincially funded site in the area.
“This survey marks the beginning of the engagement process as we work to develop a CTS in our community, a process that will include the opportunity for community engagement and feedback. The Safe Health Site Timmins is being implemented as a temporary measure to address an immediate and urgent need in our community and is set to open soon," said Tina Brunet, Porcupine Health Unit, harm reduction co-ordinator, in a news release.
A safe injection site is a place where people can use previously obtained drugs in the presence of trained medical staff. It also offers services such as treatment, counselling, medical services, social services, and client education.
The facilities help decrease deaths and hospital visits due to overdose and reduce unsafe injection practises such as sharing needles that can transmit diseases such as HIV and Hepatits C.
“In 2020, our district had opioid-related death rates almost three times higher than the rest of the province," said Dr. Julie Samson, co-lead of the addictions services at Timmins and District Hospital and clinical supervisor for the NOSM-led feasibility study.
“Our community needs more strategies and services addressing the opioid crisis, including a Consumption Treatment Services, to improve the lives of those with substance use disorders and to contribute to a healthier community overall.”
The temporary safe injection site, Urgent Public Health Needs - Safe Health Site Timmins — is a temporary solution to bridge the gap while the Timmins and Area Drug Strategy group work toward a permanent supervised consumption site. While the permanent site has a funding stream, the temporary operation does not.
Anyone 16 years or older who lives, works or studies in the city can complete the online survey that's available in English and French. It takes about 10 minutes to finish and is open until May 31. Paper surveys are available in English, French and Cree and are available by calling 705-267-1181 ext. 2992.
The survey is available here.