Sure - Canadian Substance Use Resource and Knowledge Exchange Centre

A 2022-2023 Public Health Ontario (PHO) Locally Driven Collaborative Projects (LDCP) team, is pleased to present the Harm Reduction and Opioid Harms Snapshots that describe regional changes to harm reduction service delivery in Ontario over the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relationship between these changes and opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Data for the snapshots came from the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network's (ODPRN) Ontario Opioid Indicator Tool and PHO’s Interactive Opioid Tool. The results show that opioid toxicity deaths and emergency department visits have increased in almost all health unit regions, with males aged 25-44 experiencing higher rates of these outcomes. These snapshots indicate that there is variance in trends between health unit regions related to harm reduction service indicators, and opioid-related morbidity and mortality, and that certain regions may require enhanced services or support. The results can be used for enhanced situational awareness around local contexts, and to support advocacy efforts for allocation of resources to address the drug toxicity crisis.