Bruce House has signed an open letter regarding bacterial and viral transmission impacts of the proposed supervised consumption services closures.
Public health leaders, HIV and hepatitis organizations and service providers called on the Government of Ontario to reverse the recent decision to shutter supervised consumption sites (SCS) and restrict harm reduction services. Signatories warn these actions will significantly increase the risk of viral and bacterial disease transmission, further straining Ontario’s already burdened healthcare system.
Supervised consumption sites are a health intervention where trained staff respond to toxic drug poisoning emergencies and offer resources and connections to critical health, mental health, social and housing services. Evidence consistently shows the sites save lives and significantly reduce emergency calls and hospital visits.