On the provincial level, Ontario is investing nearly $7 million in provincial opioid response and targeted addictions services.
Deputy Premier Christine Elliot said $6.9 million will go towards adding harm reduction workers province-wide, expanding Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinics and establishing Acute Consultation Services in areas with high rates of opioid use.
The funds will enhance access to evidence-based, high-quality addictions services, Elliot says, and address urgent gaps in needed support across the healthcare system.
The Canadian Mental Health Association says it’s a good first step but it’s not enough.
The province has announced 32.7-million dollars in funding to support those with addictions, including the almost seven million dollars to battle the opioid crisis.
A study from the University of Waterloo shows deaths related to opioid overdoses increased by almost six times between 2000 and 2017.