Backgrounder: Support for increased access to safer supply in Toronto
Backgrounder
April 2021
The Government of Canada continues to support communities across Canada as they respond to the overdose crisis during the pandemic and beyond. This includes supporting expanded access to safer supply projects to offer a pharmaceutical alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply. As part of these efforts, the Government of Canada is providing $7,741,951 million in funding for three safer supply projects to help people with opioid use disorder in Toronto, Ontario.
Funding is provided through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), which supports evidence-informed and innovative initiatives across a range of interventions—health promotion, prevention, harm reduction and treatment—targeting a broad range of legal and illegal substances.
Expanding access to safer drug supply to those at risk in Toronto, Ontario
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"Expanding Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) Services to Include Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (iOAT) for Safer Supply at The Works," Toronto Public Health - Toronto, Ontario
$2,305,835 over two years is being provided to Toronto Public Health to operate the first safer supply project in Toronto to offer injectable hydromorphone for people with opioid use disorder. Operating out of "The Works," the project will help people with opioid use disorder who do not respond to currently available safer supply and treatment services and who remain at high risk of overdose. The project will also help clients access and remain connected with health, housing, income and community programs that meet their specific needs.
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"Safer Opioid Supply Program," Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre - Toronto, Ontario
An additional $2,151,024 is being provided to extend this project for two more years and expand the health and social services offered, bringing the total federal funding amount to $2,733,524 over three years. The project will help people with severe opioid use disorder access pharmaceutical alternatives and increase engagement with healthcare and social services to foster better health outcomes. The project offers a harm reduction drop-in program, supports, evidence-based information, supplies, food, and referrals to other service providers.
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"Downtown East Collaborative Safer Opioid Supply," South Riverdale Community Health Centre - Toronto, Ontario
An additional $3,285,092 is being provided to extend this project for two more years and expand the health and social services offered, bringing the total federal funding amount to $4,285,092 over three years. The project will help people with opioid use disorder who may also have experienced barriers accessing existing health and social services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization will provide pharmaceutical alternatives and help connect people experiencing opioid use disorder to the broader system of primary and specialist care, addiction and mental health services, and other social supports.
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