Overdose prevention site in Guelph logs 430 visits since opening

Staff at Guelph's overdose prevention site (OPS) have seen over 430 peoplesince it opened at Guelph's Community Health Centre (CHC) two months ago.

RaechelleDevereax, executive director of the GuelphCHC, saidthesiteis part ofthe solution in dealing with thecurrentopioidcrisis, and a way to reduce the high number of hospital stays as a result ofopioidoverdoses.

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"Because we've hosted the needle exchange program at the Guelph CHCfor several years, we were seeing folks who use drugs on site," she said, adding that staff at the centrealso dealt with a number of overdoses.

Since opening, the site hasresponded to five overdoses.

"We realized there was a need in our community and also seeing the five overdose reversals happen here at the site, we're also realizing the opportunity to save lives."

TheOPShas two injection booths and a quiet space, where nurses and staff supervise and offer support to individuals.

Devereauxsaid that nurses and peer support workersmonitor an individual's breathing and physical appearance when using. They watch for signs of low oxygen or signs that they are losing consciousness.

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84 per cent of drugs used wereopioids

Devereauxsaid 84 per cent of the drugs used at Guelph's OPShave been opioids.

"So far we've seen growing number of visits week after week, and the fact that the majority are using opioids tells us this temporary site is addressing the needs of the people it was designed to help,"Devereaux said.

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Those accessing the site range from people experiencing homelessness, to those who have full time jobs, Devereaux said.

"They are coming because they know there is help available. They are coming to the site becausethey want to live," she said.

Individuals accessing the site also have the opportunity to connect with other support programssuch as addiction services and other services offered at the centre.

"Connections are also regularly made to other services and supports in the community," said JanKlotz, client care supervisor and manager of theOPS.

"TheOPSprovides access to harm reduction services that are non judgmental and free from stigma, as well as the chance to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect."

The Guelph CHCoffers information sessions about the OPSFriday mornings from 9:15 a.m to 9:45 a.m.to anyone in the community.