On August 20, Ontario’s Minister of Health, the Hon. Sylvia Jones, announced new investments for the development of treatment hubs for individuals affected by substance use. This announcement also included new requirements regarding the location of existing supervised consumption sites and their proximity to schools and daycares. As a result of the proposed changes in legislation, the keepSIX consumption and treatment centre, which is operated by our partner, South Riverdale Community Health Centre, and serves community members in Toronto’s east end, is required to close.
East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), the Ontario Health Team (OHT) serving East Toronto, appreciates the Ontario Government’s continued investments in treatment, housing and recovery hubs that aim to connect people who use substances with the supports and services they need close to home. At the same time, we recognize that the closure of existing consumption and treatment sites offering harm reduction interventions, supervised consumption and needle exchange programs will have a significant impact on our community members who rely on these health services.
As a team of providers and community members working together to build a healthier and more equitable East Toronto, we strongly believe in the importance of working with all our residents on solutions. We remain dedicated to improving access to health and social services, including those related to substance use and harm reduction, for everyone in East Toronto through our integrated care models such as the Oakridge Health and Harm Reduction Hub, Michael Garron Hospital’s Withdrawal Management Services, and the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub.
Given this recent announcement, we will be working with our partners on proposals to expand access to treatment, counselling and other essential supports for residents in our community who are affected by substance use. We commit to keeping our partners apprised of next steps as we consider the new policy and funding opportunities.
On behalf of the ETHP Leadership Team:
Anne Wojtak
Co-Lead, East Toronto Health Partners
Dr. Jeff Powis
Medical Co-Lead, East Toronto Health Partners
Razia Rashed
Community Co-Lead, East Toronto Health Partners
Robin Griller
Executive Director, St. Michael’s Homes
Co-chair, ETHP Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Portfolio