Improving Health Outcomes for People at Risk of Substance-Related Harms and Overdose
November 22, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada today announced new measures to improve health outcomes for people at risk of substance-related harms and overdose. These measures include:
- Expanding access to naloxone: Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The government will provide additional funding to increase the distribution of naloxone to people who need it, including through pharmacies, community health centers, and harm reduction organizations.
- Investing in overdose prevention sites: Overdose prevention sites are safe spaces where people can use drugs under the supervision of trained staff. These sites provide a range of services, including harm reduction education, counseling, and access to naloxone. The government will invest in the expansion of overdose prevention sites across Canada.
- Improving access to treatment: Addiction is a treatable condition. The government will invest in expanding access to treatment services, including counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support.
- Strengthening data collection and surveillance: The government will strengthen data collection and surveillance systems to better track the overdose crisis and identify emerging trends. This information will be used to inform policy and program development.
These measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to address the overdose crisis. The government is committed to working with provinces and territories, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to reduce the harms associated with substance use and save lives.
Quotes
“The overdose crisis is a public health emergency that is devastating families and communities across Canada,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health. “These new measures will help us to save lives, reduce harms, and connect people with the care they need.”
“Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. “By expanding access to naloxone, we can help to reduce the number of overdose deaths in Canada.”
Associated Links
- Government of Canada’s Opioid Crisis Response Framework
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Overdose Prevention
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: Naloxone Distribution
Improving health outcomes for people at risk of substance-related harms and overdose
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