WeRPN is concerned about the recent Government decision to close the majority of supervised consumption sites across Ontario. As nurses, we recognize that the life-saving services provided at these sites play a critical role in protecting the health and well-being of individuals struggling with addiction within our communities.
Safe consumption sites are not only a lifeline for those at risk of overdose but also a key component of a comprehensive public health strategy. These facilities provide a controlled environment where individuals can access vital health services, harm reduction resources, and pathways to recovery. The presence of these sites helps to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, lower the number of overdose deaths, and connect vulnerable populations with the support they need.
We appreciate the government’s announced investment in other recovery services, which are essential for long-term healing and rehabilitation. However, this investment should not come at the expense of safe consumption sites, which serve as an immediate and necessary intervention for those most at risk.
We urge the Ministry of Health to reconsider the decision to close these sites and to work with healthcare providers, community organizations, and those with lived experience to find a balanced solution that safeguards the health of all Ontarians.