TORONTO, May 3, 2024
/CNW/ - The toxic drug crisis that is now killing an average of 10
Ontarians every day will be the focus of a media conference
organized by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) to close Nursing Week.
While Nursing Week (May 6-12) is
mainly regarded as a time of celebration, RNAO will take the
opportunity to shine a light on this crisis, share solutions, and
renew its demand that the provincial government take the steps
needed to stop a tragedy that is ravaging communities across
Ontario.
Almost 3,800 people died due to an unregulated and toxic drug
supply in 2023, leaving countless families and friends forever
mourning their loss.
"These were preventable deaths and the government has a
responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all Ontarians,
including those who use substances. Harm reduction supports such as
consumption and treatment services (CTS) and supervised consumption
services (SCS) are essential to frontline efforts to keep people
well and alive," says RNAO president Dr. Claudette Holloway.
RNAO is alarmed at the closure of two SCS sites and deeply
concerned with delays in getting other CTS sites up and running in
various communities that have applied. At a media conference
scheduled for Friday, May 10, RNAO
will share the lived experiences of those affected by the drug
poisoning crisis, and outline what needs to happen to stop the
crisis in its tracks. This includes reopening supervised
consumption services sites in Sudbury and Windsor, providing funding so the site in
Timmins can remain open. RNAO also
seeks assurances that any community that identifies a need be
provided with the necessary funding to support people. For example,
the city of Belleville declared a
state of emergency earlier this year after 23 people collapsed
within 48 hours because of drug toxicity, with six people dying
between Feb. 25 and March 15 alone.
And, Peterborough, which saw a 26
per cent increase in overdose deaths in 2023.
"The evidence tells us that meeting people where they are is
crucial to helping them overcome their struggles. Our health system
takes care of those who have cancer or chronic illnesses such as a
heart condition or diabetes. Yet, we are turning a blind eye to
those who struggle with substance use. People and families need
more support, not further stigma and inaction," says Dr.
Doris Grinspun, RNAO's CEO.
WHAT: The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) holds a virtual media
conference to demand action on the province's toxic drug supply
WHEN: Friday, May 10, 2024
at 10:30 a.m. ET
WHO:
- Dr. Doris Grinspun, RNAO CEO
- Dr. Claudette Holloway, RNAO president
- Kathy Moreland, RN and member of Moms Stop the Harm
(Windsor)
- Neil Stephen, RN (Sudbury)
WHERE: Online via Zoom. All media are invited, but must
register online to attend.
The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association
representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing
students in Ontario. Since 1925,
RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence
in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the
health system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the
public we serve. For more information about RNAO,
visit RNAO.ca or follow us on X (formerly
Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
SOURCE Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario