File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / BackyardProductFile photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / BackyardProduct
Windsor

Community Consultation Needed On Opioid Strategy

The committee developing the community's opioid strategy is looking for feedback on its proposed plan.

The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid Strategy Leadership Committee is made up of members of the health unit, municipal officials, Essex Windsor EMS and other community groups.

The strategy aims to address the rising rates of opioid overdose and death in the community. According to a recent report, Windsor has nearly 19% more opioid users than the provincial average.

Acting medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed says the strategy will address deficiencies on all levels.

"So that people, if they have any signs or symptoms of opioid overdose or if they are addicted to opioid what can be done so that they can move through the system quickly and connect them with the care providers," says Ahmed.

The strategy is based on four main pillars, prevention and education, harm reduction, treatment and recovery and enforcement and justice.

The committee is holding two community consultations next week. One at the downtown Windsor YMCA on October 17 and the other at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex on October 18, 2017.

Ahmed says it's important to get feedback from agencies and people with lived experience to develop the plan from the ground level.

"What are some of the key action items that can come out of it and how can we reach out to the right people? Talking to people with lived experience maybe they have a better way how they would like to be educated, or they want others to be educated," says Ahmed.

The community can also provide feedback on the report through an online survey. The full strategy can be found here.

Read More Local Stories