Saving Lives. Changing Lives. Summary Report on the findings from an Evaluation of London’s Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS), Ontario
Saving Lives. Changing Lives. Summary Report on the findings from an Evaluation of London’s Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS), Ontario
Melissa McCann, Sameena Vadivelu (2019)
Saving Lives. Changing Lives. Summary Report on the findings from an Evaluation of London’s Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS), Ontario
English
Website
Middlesex-London, Ontario, along with many other Canadian communities is experiencing an opioid crisis that has taken the lives of many people in our community. At the same time, there are increased rates of HIV infection and infectious endocarditis in people who use injection drugs (PWUD). Together, this overlapping drug and infectious disease crisis has drawn attention to a complex public health issue requiring the attention of local public health authorities and community partners.
In December 2017, to assist communities with this public health need, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) introduced a strategy: the establishment of Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS). Communities in need could apply to the MOHLTC to obtain approval and funding to establish an OPS. These sites are a low barrier, time-limited service for people to consume drugs in a supervised environment and facilitate connections to other health and social services. With the support of community partners, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) opened Ontario’s first legally sanctioned Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) at 186 King Street on February 12, 2018.
In the summer of 2018, a process and outcome evaluation was conducted to capture lessons learned in the first six months of operation, and to document the site’s progress in meeting its intended outcomes.
In December 2017, to assist communities with this public health need, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) introduced a strategy: the establishment of Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS). Communities in need could apply to the MOHLTC to obtain approval and funding to establish an OPS. These sites are a low barrier, time-limited service for people to consume drugs in a supervised environment and facilitate connections to other health and social services. With the support of community partners, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) opened Ontario’s first legally sanctioned Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) at 186 King Street on February 12, 2018.
In the summer of 2018, a process and outcome evaluation was conducted to capture lessons learned in the first six months of operation, and to document the site’s progress in meeting its intended outcomes.
