Public invited to complete survey about need for new services in the region

Media Release

February 22, 2023

Southwestern Public Health invites the public to complete survey about need for consumption and treatment services in the region

Those who complete the online survey must live, work or attend school in the Southwestern Public Health region (Oxford, Elgin, & St. Thomas) and be at least 18 years old.

 Recent statistics indicate that opioid-related deaths have increased in the Southwestern Public Health region, and that the mortality rate is higher than the provincial average. Locally, the average number of monthly deaths from opioid overdoses has increased from 1.42 per month in 2019 to 3.83 per month in 2021.

“There is an urgent need to increase support, health services and treatment options for people who use harmful substances,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health. “One such option is a Consumption and Treatment Service.”

Southwestern Public Health has launched a feasibility study to explore whether Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) are a possibility for the region.

As part of the feasibility study, the health unit conducted interviews with people with living or lived experience of substance use, and focus groups with business owners, community service providers, and health care workers earlier this year. Now the region’s public health agency is offering the public the opportunity to answer a series of questions designed to explore the possibilities of new services locally.

“We need the community's support to explore ways to reduce drug-related overdoses, injuries, and infections; and to do that, we need your help,” says Dr. Tran.  “It is important that everyone has a chance to participate in developing solutions to complex social issues. Adults living, working, or going to school in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas are invited to share their thoughts and opinions about CTS services by participating in an online survey, which asks about barriers, facilitators, and potential ways we can deliver  Consumption and Treatment Services,” he adds.

Community members interested in completing the survey can find it online at www.swpublichealth.ca/cts. The survey closes on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 11:59 pm.  Those needing support completing the survey can reach out to ctsf.study@swpublichealth.ca or call 1-800-922-0096 x 1323.

Consumption and Treatment Services are services where people who use substances can do so while accompanied by a supportive staff person and access wrap-around support, linking them to important health and social services (housing, income support, mental health care, treatment, etc.)

About Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.

Contact for Interviews:
Megan Cornwell
Manager, Communications
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca  | 519-320-0819