The opioid crisis affects the lives and health of people from all walks of life, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds. Over the past decade, Ontario has experienced an increase in fatal opioid overdoses, which have had substantial impacts on the lives of many individuals, families and communities. From 2007 to 2017, the annual number of deaths related to opioids in Ontario increased from 468 to 1,265, with an estimated 46% increase in the number of deaths between 2016 and 2017. Between July 2017 and June 2018, there were 1,337 confirmed opioid-related deaths in Ontario.
In response, Street Health Centre has been providing naloxone to any person at risk for opioid overdose since 2015. SHC provides training and education about the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and the use of naloxone in addition to providing naloxone kits. Any person in the community who uses opioids (prescribed or non-medically) or knows someone who uses opioids would benefit from overdose prevention training. Please contact us for an appointment; walk-ins welcome.
If your organization is interested in learning more about our program, please contact SHC to arrange an in-service for your staff or community group. Training and kits are free.
Naloxone is also available at pharmacies across Ontario. Find a location near you and learn more about naloxone through the Government of Ontario website.