Noting an increase in opioid-related harm and deaths in Peel since 2013, public health says the region is in need of supervised consumption services (SCS) for drug users.

Peel’s Medical Officer of Health will ask council to endorse recommendations of a SCS feasibility study, including proposed locations in downtown Brampton and Cooksville, at a Thursday meeting.

Peel’s 2019 Peel Opioid Strategy Report found 236 people died and 1,295 people visited emergency rooms due to opioid use between 2016 and 2018 in Peel.

Supervised consumption sites allow individuals to use pre-obtained drugs or substances in a hygienic, controlled environment.

The Peel Drug Users Advisory Panel, a substance use lived-experience panel, expressed their support of the SCS in a letter to council on Dec. 3.

Sixty-one per cent of Peel residents surveyed reported concerns with having local SCS, most commonly with more drug users and trafficking in the area, decreased property values and personal safety concerns.

Peel Public Health’s opioid strategy was created in collaboration with Peel Regional Police, Caledon OPP, emergency services, Moyo Health and Community Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association, in order to monitor and report opioid-related harm and distribution of Naloxone, a medication used to counter the effects of opioid use.

Ninety-four per cent of opioid deaths in Peel between 2017 and 2019 were considered accidental, with 63 per cent occurring while the person was alone during overdose.

Hailey Montgomery is a reporter with the Brampton Guardian. Reach her via email: hmontgomery@metroland.com

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