The Ontario Science Table says new strategies are needed to deal with a sharp rise in opioid overdoses.
The group of health experts, which provides advice to the provincial government, says there’s been a 60 percent increase in opioid overdoses hospitalizations and deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Ontario 18 months ago.
The panel says social isolation, reduced access to mental health and harm reduction services, and a more volatile supply of drugs due to border closures have all contributed to the worsening situation.
It says there has to be better access to assistance programs, especially in high-risk communities such as the homeless, and improved delivery services for remote communities.