The Ontario government’s announcement to expand the provincial opioid response is good news according to Sudbury & District Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe and Greater Sudbury Police Services Chief, Paul Pedersen.
The two are the co-chairs of Sudbury’s Community Drug Strategy, an initiative to prevent and respond to drug misuse.
The expansion of naloxone availability to police and fire services and the province’s recognition of a public health emergency are important enablers to Sudbury’s Drug Strategy, said Chief Pedersen.
The provincial announcement brings further support to local harm reduction efforts to reduce the impacts of drug use on individuals and communities, added Dr. Sutcliffe.
Naloxone kits are currently available for free at participating pharmacies and local organizations, including the North Shore and Manitoulin Island which are in the unit’s district of service.