Supervised consumption sites and are an integral component of the Canadian government’s reaction to the opioid overdose crisis. Since 2017, supervised admission sites across Canada have gained nearly 2.2 million visits, canceled approximately 17,400 overdoses without a single death at one site, and made approximately 84,400 fitness and socialArray references
However, the opioid overdose crisis remains one of the most serious public fitness crises in Canada’s recent history, and the COVID-19 outbreak is exacerbating this crisis in many communities. On August 15, 2020, Health Canada introduced a 60-day consultation procedure on monitored customer sites and to assess what works and what can be improved.
The consultation will allow the Government of Canada to request input from Canadians, supervised customer site operators, frontline physical care workers, site users, other experienced persons and other stakeholders. Anyone interested in participating can submit feedback until October 14, 2020.
“Evidence shows that supervised sites and facilities save lives and can provide others who use drugs with access to social and fitness facilities and treatments. As we see the COVID-19 outbreak worsening the scenario of Canadians with substance use disorders, it is more vital than ever to make sure that feedback we get from communities across Canada is available will help us better understand how we can continue to help Canadians and save lives.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Health
More than 15,000 Canadians died of opioid-related overdoses between January 2016 and December 2019.
In Canada, unauthorized ownership of controlled ingredients is prohibited by the Controlled Substances and Drugs Act. Therefore, to function as a medically supervised beverage in Canada, a Health Canada exemption under segment 56.1 of the Act is required. Since January 1, 2016, the number of supervised admissions operating in Canada has increased from 1 to 38.
The Canadian Government’s movements have so far focused on selling a public fitness technique to combat substance use and expand the availability of essential social and fitness facilities for other drug users. These movements come with support for the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, investment systems such as drug remedy courts for those whose substance use contributes to their crime, supporting greater access to damage relief facilities such as supervised intake sites, access to nautical grade medications, also known as safer supply and a greater diversity of repair options.