SSM & Area Drug Strategy

The Sault Ste Marie and Area Drug Strategy Committee would like to reach out to the community to update regarding the services that are available for Addiction Supports during the Provincial Stay at Home Order. We would like to emphasize that although there may be some necessary changes to service delivery, our community partners continue to provide assessment, treatment and referral for those living with substance misuse. Please note that as the global situation changes, s...Continue reading

FENTANYL WARNING York Regional Police is warning the community about a new strain of the drug fentanyl that was discovered after an overdose incident in Town o...f Newmarket. The fentanyl seized at the scene was distinctive orange and pink colours that investigators have not seen before. Of additional concern is the fact the drug was consumed through a vape pen, with the fentanyl mixed with the nicotine oil. This could pose a significant risk to public safety, especially if residents are unaware of this consumption method and assume a vape pen they may use contains nothing more than nicotine or other flavourings. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine. Two milligrams of pure fentanyl (the size of about four grains of salt) is enough to kill the average adult. If combined with alcohol or other drugs the risk of a fatal outcome is increased. Someone overdosing on fentanyl may display slow, irregular and shallow respirations, pinpoint pupils, muscle rigidity, seizures and unconsciousness, which could lead to a coma. Less lethal effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting. Treating symptoms of fentanyl require higher doses of the antidote naloxone compared to other opioids. York Regional Police is committed to combatting the distribution of opioids in our community. For more information on how partners from across York Region are working together to reduce opioid harms, read the Opioid Action Plan. For more information contact York Regional Police Corporate Communications, at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2664.

Additional funding announced for mental health and addiction support in our community! Much needed and welcomed!

Naloxone kits can save a life. You can be the difference, knowing the signs of an overdose is the first step. Learn more about the importance of naloxone kits: http://bit.ly/2PBDH1r

https://www.ctvnews.ca//mckinsey-to-pay-573m-for-role-in-o

Overdose. Not just a young person's problem. Talking about overdose can save a life. Find support services here in Algoma: http://bit.ly/2PBDH1r

https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit

REGISTER: Walk with Me: Harm Reduction Equals LOVE Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week Event Mon Dec 7. 5-8pm Toronto Time (GMT-5 hours) WEBINIAR Co-hosted by: ... Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS) International Indigenous Working Group on HIV & AIDS (IIWGHA) Community co-hosts come together to invite Indigenous organizations, AIDS service organizations, human rights advocates, Indigenous communities, people living with HIV and students for a night of cultural sharing, interactive dialogue and personal testimony. We're going to have some fun! What are the realities for Indigenous Two-Spirit, gender non-binary and LGBTQ for accessing housing, a safe drug supply and dealing with HIV stigma and discrimination? How does harm reduction and Indigenous culture help our people? For many people living with or at risk of HIV, stigma is like a ball of elastics getting tighter and tighter. Help us unravel stigma and find some answers in this time of COVID. REGISTRATION LINK: https://seatoskymeeting.eventsair.com//regis/Site/Register On page two of the registration page, you can choose our December 7th event.

The following is a list of supports available to those struggling with substance misuse and abuse in Sault Ste. Marie and Area. Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM) Accepting referrals through health care providers or telephone intake for self-referrals. Please call 705-759-3434 ext. 7200 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Clinic hours are currently 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday...Continue reading

We’re still doing outreach! Outreach staff will be in the community Friday afternoons offering a cup of hot chocolate and access to resources. Check out the poster for more details #johnhowardsociety #jhs #outreach

We all need to be part of the solution! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrvfTk3Qwt0

#ChangeBeginsWithMe #NAAW

We need your help!

Language matters, attitudes contribute to change, compassion and empathy go a long way! Removing stigma = removing barriers for those who need help! https://www.ccsa.ca//CCSA-Language-and-Stigma-in-Substance

PLEASE READ, PLEASE SHARE. PLEASE READ, PLEASE SHARE. This weekend was another tragic one, we've read the articles, we see the news , we see how this is affec...ting our community. The fact that our community is on track to see up to 60 OP/OD deaths is heartbreaking. Too many beautiful souls are gone, friends and families are left with their hearts broken. Rapid Response Fentanyl strips is just another helpful tool in our kit to help prevent unnecessary opiod poisonings and overdoses. FENTANYL KILLS, a single grain could be deadly. There is no 'fix' to addiction. If you or someone you love is using, please love and support them. If you use, there is absolutely no reason not to do it safely. There are so many tools available and this is one of them. These strips are available and free through the HARP & HEP CARE program, available to everyone. You can CALL or TEXT 705-542-4526 (business number, completely anonymous) to inquire about these strips, or any other harm reduction supplies, naloxone, pick up or drop offs can be made, 100% free and can also be made 100% ANONYMOUSLY. No personal information is required. Judgement and question free zone.

Did you find a needle? You have two options: 1. Call Public Works at 705-759-5201. They are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. They will send staff out to pick up the needle(s). 2. Follow these instructions on how to dispose of it yourself.... https://saultpolice.ca//drug-use-needle-disposal-and-nalo/