MARSH: Ensure vulnerable don’t slip through the cracks during COVID

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

With the reduction in available resources to those in need, we have seen a rapid increase since March in overdose deaths, particularly those associated with opioids. This may come as a surprise to many, but in June and July in Ontario, there were more deaths attributed to overdoses than to COVID-19.

We are seeing a 20% increase in overdose deaths compared to the same period last year. A

Despite keeping our clinics open, we have seen a lower intake of patients than usual while there has been an increase in unfavourable drug screens (more people using illicit drugs than usual), as well as a 20% increase in missed appointments.A

Pandemic-related factors such as border closures have caused a change in illegal drug markets around the world.

The result of this has been an increase in street drugs containing potent opioids such as fentanyl, which substantially raises their toxicity. Social distancing, unemployment and fear have pushed individuals battling sobriety into isolation.

Virtual care options have been critical throughout the pandemic, but sadly they do not work for the most vulnerable in our society who lack access to reliable housing and technology. In an attempt to maintain a safe environment, some addictions clinics provided more take-home medications to patients who may not have been stable enough to take on that responsibility.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

In many cases, we have heard stories of these medications being sold on our streets.