Improving Health Outcomes for Youth in Ottawa at Risk of Substance-Related Harms and Overdose
Ottawa, ON – January 13, 2025 – The Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve health outcomes for youth in the city who are at risk of substance-related harms and overdose. This strategy is part of the OPH’s ongoing efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis and to promote the health and well-being of young people in Ottawa.
The strategy includes a range of initiatives, including:
- Enhanced access to harm reduction services: Expanding access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and providing training on how to use naloxone to youth and their families.
- Improved access to mental health and addiction treatment services: Increasing the capacity of youth mental health and addiction services, including providing more same-day access to services, and reducing wait times for treatment.
- Increased outreach and prevention efforts: Working with community partners to provide outreach services to youth who are at risk of substance use and overdose, and implementing prevention programs in schools and youth-serving organizations.
“Youth are particularly vulnerable to substance-related harms and overdose,” said Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health. “This strategy will help us to better support youth and reduce the number of overdose deaths in our city.”
The strategy is based on evidence-based research and best practices in overdose prevention and harm reduction. It is also informed by the input of youth, families, and community partners.
“We know that youth need access to a range of services to help them stay safe and healthy,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “This strategy will help us to ensure that youth in Ottawa have the support they need.”
The OPH is working with a range of partners, including the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service, The Royal, and community health and social service organizations, to implement the strategy.
“It’s important that we all work together to address this issue,” said Councillor Catherine McKenney. “This strategy is a good step forward in our efforts to keep youth safe.”
The OPH will continue to monitor the implementation of the strategy and make adjustments as needed. The OPH is also committed to working with partners to evaluate the impact of the strategy and to ensure that it is meeting the needs of youth in Ottawa.
For more information on the strategy, please visit the OPH website at www.OPH.ca.
Improving health outcomes for youth in Ottawa at risk of substance-related harms and overdose
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