Safer drug supply program gets federal cash to support up to 150 people in Guelph

The Guelph Community Health Centre (GCHC) received more than $1.1 million from the federal government to expand itsexisting safe supplyprogram.

The program currently serves 10 people. The funding will allow the centre to supportup to 150 people.

The funding is part ofHealth Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program.

"Many of the opioids and substances circulating in our community have inconsistent strength and purity," said Melissa Kwiatkowski, primaryhealth director at the centre,during a virtual announcement Thursday morning.

Sheadded between March 2020 to April 2021, suspectedsubstances-related deaths rose by 260 per cent.

Recent numbers for opioid-related deaths in 2019 and the first half of 2020suggest Guelph's numbers are higher than the provincial average, according to centre.

"The drug supply is poisoned," Kwiatkowskisaid.

Since August 2018, there have been 19 health alerts issued warning people of the dangers and toxicity ofstreetdrugs in Guelph.

"People in Guelph are dying in record numbersand we know the uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 has contributed to increasing substance use and isolation, making our existing crisis much worse," she said.

The safer drug supply program at the centre started as a pilot in the fall of 2020 and isled by aclinical advisory council made up of a physician, pharmacist and other clinical staff.

'Safer supply is one step in the right direction'

Those accessing the safesupply program at the centre are prescribed opioidsthrough a physician or nurse practitioner and are met withother wraparound supports from a team of healthcare providers.

Dr. Ahmed Jakda, medical director of the safer supply program,said staff follow a strict criteria whensomeoneis brought on.

"Our clinical protocol monitors patients carefully and we work as an interdisciplinary team to serve this population with a harm reduction approach," he said during the virtual announcement.

Officials said safer supply programs benefitthosewith opioid addictionswho have been unsuccessful in other treatment approaches, which canincludeopioid agonist programs like suboxone and methadone programs.

Jakda said one woman who went through the program has since been able to find work and is going back to school.

"Human beings need hope, not stigma," he said. "Safer supply is one step in the right direction."

The centre will use the funds over the next two years to hire more staff likepeers,outreach support,as well as clinical oversight for the program.