Ontario’s unexpected choice to cut funding for supervised consumption sites will lead to closures that endanger lives, say the operators of London’s Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service.
On Friday, CBC got hold of a letter from the Ministry of Health informing operators that provincial funding for these facilities would cease in 90 days, starting June 13.
The news about Carepoint’s closure was completely unanticipated and has caused panic among those who rely on the facility, acting executive director Bruce Rankin noted. London’s consumption site is operated by the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC).
“It’s a lifesaving service that’s had tremendous impact on our community,” Rankin said. “It’s going to leave a huge gap in services to support people who are struggling with addiction and homelessness.”
Since its opening in 2019, Carepoint has recorded over 15,000 visits and prevented 218 overdoses last year alone. Rankin mentioned it also helps link individuals to social services.
“It’s a place where people can go and receive compassionate, respectful care and it opens a lot of options for people who are really struggling and don’t have a lot of hope,” Rankin said. “Carepoint has been providing safe spaces for people to use these dangerous drugs that they’d be using anyways, and reversing overdoses that would have ended up in hospital,” Dr. Alex Summers, medical officer of health for London stated.
“For many individuals, it might be the only place they go in the community where they feel welcomed. And it’s especially important for those who have been marginalized without access to health care or a family doctor.”
In 2024, the Ford government prohibited consumption sites within 200 metres of schools or daycare centres. It introduced 19 Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs that follow an abstinence-focused model, including one located in London.
London’s portion of HART hub funding amounts to $6.3 million each year for three years, which supports a total of 59 beds at the Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope on Wellington Street.
“This decision reflects Ontario’s commitment to prioritizing treatment, recovery and supports that help individuals move toward long-term stability while protecting Ontario communities,” Elizabeth Walker, executive lead for office of the chief medical officer of health wrote in her letter to consumption site operators.
Centers must submit a plan by April 10 detailing assets purchased with ministry funds as well as expected costs associated with winding down operations. This plan should also include how clients can transition to other community health services along with staff transition details.
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Dr. Alex Summers is medical officer of health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit. (Angela Mc Innes/CBC)
He emphasized there’s no single solution addressing the opioid crisis but highlighted an urgent need for increased funding along with access to treatment beds and related services-key components he believes must be included in any transition plan.
Summers pointed out facilities like HART Hubs alongside supervised consumption sites are essential at every stage of addiction recovery.
“Certainly there is a need for even more services when we look at the burden caused by addictions within our community,” he remarked while stressing coordination among providers before Carepoint shuts down. The letter indicates officials will reach out regarding plans on connecting clients with HART Hub Services as well as other community-based treatment supports.
“It’s a time filled with uncertainty; we have days ahead where we’ll try our best helping folks find alternative support plans,” Rankin expressed.
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Need for More Addiction Treatment Services
Dr. Alex Summers stated that Carepoint has consistently shown results in lowering overdose deaths as well as reducing HIV and Hepatitis transmission rates. Last year, RHAC reported zero new HIV infections linked to drug use. “Carepoint has been providing safe spaces for people to use these dangerous drugs that they’d be using anyways and reversing many overdoses that would otherwise ended up in hospital,” Summers explained.“Certainly there is a need for even more services when we look at the burden caused by addictions within our community,” he remarked while stressing coordination among providers before Carepoint shuts down. The letter indicates officials will reach out regarding plans on connecting clients with HART Hub Services as well as other community-based treatment supports.
“It’s a time filled with uncertainty; we have days ahead where we’ll try our best helping folks find alternative support plans,” Rankin expressed.
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