Ottawa Vallley health unit taking ‘multi-phased approach’ to combat opioid crisis
Posted Jun 21, 2023 08:16:26 PM.
Last Updated Jun 21, 2023 08:22:45 PM.
A sharp rise in opioid overdoses in The Valley has one health unit looking for a new way to battle the issue.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in calls to emergency services and emergency department visits.
Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis told The Sam Laprade Show that this is much more than just a Valley issue.
“It’s all of Ontario and Canada that were seeing an alarming rise in overdose events,” he said. We’re seeing unprecedented numbers of opioid use and overdoses in areas including Cornwall, Akwesasne, and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.”
Cornwall Community Hospital has seen an 86 per cent increase in opioid poisonings between 2020 and 2021, as well as emergency department visits for opioid overdoses nearly doubling, explained Dr.Roumeliotis.While the greater Eastern Ontario Health Unit region had 40 suspected drug-related deaths in 2022.
As a result, the top doctor is calling for a multi-phased approach, starting with increased pressure on decision-makers, including all levels of government.
“The first phase should include prevention programs, education, withdrawal treatments, and ensuring the public is aware of signs of overdose,” he said. “The health unit’s goal is to connect with residents and help identify where gaps may exist.”
Dr. Roumeliotis emphasized the importance of implementing more programs to address mental health issues as a form of prevention, especially in youth.
Agencies from across a wide spectrum such as health, social services, law enforcement, and education sectors have joined together to help address the opioid crisis at home.
Part of the regional Substance Use Health Strategy (SUHS) is community consultation with those who are living or have lived substance use experience, as well as their friends, family, and caregivers.
Eastern Ontario Health Unit officials say data collected from these consultations assist in taking stock of local services, programs, and supports available, while also identifying where gaps may exist.
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