Supervised consumption sites are not a standalone solution to the overdose crisis or the challenges associated with substance use — but they are a critical and irreplaceable component of a comprehensive, evidence based system of care. The evidence is unambiguous: SCS reduce fatal overdoses, prevent disease transmission, connect clients to treatment, and serve as anchors for integrated service delivery in communities experiencing high rates of drug-related harm.
Due to the comprehensive evidence on supervised consumption sites, the Ontario Government should reverse its decision to defund the CTS sites, and invest in a truly comprehensive response to the overdose crisis – one that includes, rather than attempts to dismantle, evidence-based harm reduction services.
This evidence brief was prepared by Tara Gomes, PhD (University of Toronto) and Gillian Kolla, PhD (Memorial University).