Seeking the community’s input, insights and feedback is a critical step in finding ways to address the drug crisis that currently holds thousands of Londoners in its grip. Gathering this information through an online survey and a series of community consultation meetings are important steps in seeking a local exemption under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Being granted an exemption under the Act is a crucial component in the process of London being considered for the establishment of Supervised Consumption Facilities in the City.

Starting with today’s launch of the online survey, and the scheduling of nine public meetings throughout November, local residents will help map the next steps and the direction London will follow as it seeks ways to prevent overdose deaths related to the abuse of opioid drugs.

“The misuse of opioid drugs has claimed thousands of lives across the country over the last decade, including nearly 400 deaths in our community alone. In contrast to the decline in the provincial HIV infection rate, the rate in our community is climbing due to injection drug use,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Supervised Consumption Facilities, like those already established, have been shown to help address public health issues, while also reducing public drug injection and needle waste. Our community needs Supervised Consumption Facilities and we want your advice on how best to achieve that.”

To complete the survey, which will remain open until December 15th, visit: www.healthunit.com/opioids-get-involved.

Community consultation meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

• November 7th, Marconi Club, 120 Clarke Rd. 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• November 8th, Canada Games Aquatic Centre, 1045 Wonderland Rd. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• November 13th, BMO Centre, 295 Rectory St. 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• November 15th, Goodwill Centre, 255 Horton St. 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• November 21st, Byron Recreation Centre, 1308 Norman Ave. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• November 27th, South London Community Centre, 585 Bradley Ave. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• November 28th, Middlesex County Building, 399 Ridout St. North. 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• November 29th, Stronach Community Recreation Centre, 1221 Sandford St. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• November 29th, Stoney Creek Library, 920 Sunningdale Rd. East. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Additional information, including an overview of the current situation, statistics, the steps that have been taken so far, and how to take part in the public consultations is available at www.healthunit.com/opioids.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit