QUEEN'S PARK– NDP MPP and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Addictions and Primary Care, Dr. Robin Lennox (Hamilton Centre), released this statement marking August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.
"Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the thousands of people who have lost their lives to opioid poisoning and the toxic drug crisis and stand with the families, friends and communities who continue to feel these devastating losses.
"The toxic drug supply continues to overwhelm communities across Ontario and Canada. Behind every statistic is a person, someone with family, friends, hopes and a future that mattered.
"We must continue to break down the stigma surrounding substance use and ensure people who use substances can access the care, treatment, harm reduction, and mental health support they need, when they need them.
"We know that supervised consumption sites save lives. Despite over 30 years of clear evidence that these services reduce overdoses, the Ford government made the reckless and ideological choice to cut their funding and push overdoses into public spaces. Their closure has also placed devastating pressure on front-line emergency responders, who are being called upon to respond to an increasing number of overdoses in the absence of these critical services.
"Following evidence-driven approaches and saving lives must remain at the centre of our response. Today, we remember those we have lost, support those who are struggling, and recommit ourselves to building a future where no one dies from preventable drug poisoning."