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The attitude towards consumption and treatment services in Windsor seems to be moving towards acceptance, health officials said Friday, on the heels of public consultation this week about a proposed consumption site — previously known as a safe injection site — in Windsor.
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Eric Nadalin, director of health promotion for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, said three town halls held this week had about 100 total attendees who had the chance to ask questions and hear from experts about the proposed locations for a consumption and treatment services (CTS) location in the city.
“It does feel like there is a shift in the perception towards more support for these sites locally,” Nadalin said. “For those who were not in support, this was an opportunity to fill in some of those gaps. We’re very excited about the way consultation is going and how we’re making progress.”
There are two sites being proposed as potential CTS locations in Windsor: 101 Wyandotte St. E. and 628 Goyeau St. Both are in the Wyandotte/Goyeau vicinity. Ultimately one location will be selected.
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Nadalin said the shift in perception is an encouraging sign that more people are understanding the causes of substance use and impact of the opioid epidemic.
People are increasingly understanding the idea is to create a safe space for consumption where there are supports, with the added benefit of reducing public consumption, Nadalin said. “In addition to helping people, I think people see that side more.”
He pegs the change on public information campaigns about the causes and effects of substance use, as well as people seeing and understanding the impact of drugs on the community, especially downtown.
“I think that has been eye-opening for folks over the last couple of years,” he said.
Consumption and treatment services are designated locations where people can use drugs in a safe environment that includes medical and social support. The sites do not provide substances and aim to reduce overdoses and deaths and connect people with mental health, treatment and housing support.
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While there are still some worries — largely, people concerned about potential illegal activity around the sites, as well as loitering and litter — Nadaline said he felt the town halls were successful in addressing questions.
A panel of experts, including harm reduction workers, addictions physicians, Windsor police and the operator of a CTS site in Guelph, were available to answer questions.
“There’s a perception in the community that this leads to enabling substance use or encouraging illegal activity. In actuality, the intent is to provide a space where we can begin to have a dialogue with folks, discard of equipment appropriately and talk about treatment if they’re interested,” Nadalin said.
The process to create a consumption and treatment services in Windsor started in 2019, when a survey indicated about 60 per cent support. Since then, Nadalin said officials have worked with partners to propose locations. Extensive consultation is underway, including having interviews with local businesses and residents. They are also going through a provincial and federal approval processes.
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Officials sense more acceptance after hearing feedback on proposed consumption sites - Windsor Star
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