The mayor of Sarnia has reached out to Ontario’s deputy premier and health minister to ask for a review of the Safer Supply Program.
In his letter to Sylvia Jones, Mike Bradley mentioned that local healthcare professionals and community members have expressed serious concerns.
“While there is broad recognition of the need to support individuals living with substance use disorders, concerns relate to the program’s current delivery,” Bradley wrote. “Reports indicate that high volumes of hydromorphone are being dispensed following virtual assessments, with limited in-person oversight or integrated supports. This raises significant concerns regarding patient safety, clinical oversight, and broader community impacts.”
Bradley pointed out that it’s not about access to medication but rather whether the program is meeting its goals.
“There is growing concern that it may be contributing to unintended consequences, including the diversion of prescribed medication into the broader community,” said Bradley. “Increased availability of these substances outside clinical oversight may contribute to new or worsening dependencies among individuals who were not the intended recipients, with implications for community safety, public health, and overall wellbeing.”
Bradley emphasized that people dealing with addiction need comprehensive care that’s in-person and includes counseling, treatment programs, and ongoing monitoring.
“There is concern that the current program structure does not consistently provide or require these supports, potentially limiting its effectiveness and impacting both individual recovery and community safety,” said Bradley.
“Given the experiences reported in Sarnia, and similar concerns in other municipalities, a review of the current delivery model is respectfully requested. Strengthening oversight and assessing potential program adjustments would help improve outcomes while reducing negative community impacts,” he added.
Bradley acknowledged how complex the opioid crisis is and appreciated what the province has been doing.
“However, there is a clear and urgent need to refine current approaches to ensure they remain effective and sustainable before unintended consequences further impact community safety and wellbeing,” he said.
Source link
Source link
