The Toronto Drop-In Network (TDIN) is reporting an alarming increase in overdose numbers since several supervised consumption sites closed on March 31, according to a news release. The Toronto based network supports more than 50 drop-in centres and allied community agencies. Members work with people who are homeless, marginally housed or socially isolated. The city of Toronto provides funding to the service and its member organizations through various grants and programs, including day-time drop-in programs and housing focused system supports.
According to the collected data, overdoses at its member sites are now up 288 per cent in the month of June, compared to the previous year.
“We predicted this would happen, and as a community we warned decision-makers. The community mobilized, petitioned, held vigils, and spoke out. But too many of our warnings were ignored,” The network’s manager Melanie Joy said.
Harm reduction workers have said that without harm reduction principles, like needle exchange programs that safe consumption sites offered users, the city will continue to see a rise in overdoses and overdose related deaths.