Public health officials in Sudbury said work is progressing for the creation of a local summit to be held in December to examine the opioid crisis in Sudbury and Northeastern Ontario.
The idea of the summit came about as the result of the alarming number of overdose deaths in Sudbury and other Northern cities in the past two years, according to a motion tabled by Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) back in June. The idea was endorsed by the City of Greater Sudbury municipal council.
PHSD said the plan is to hold what it calls the Drug Toxicity Crisis Leadership Summit in December 2023. The event is inviting political leaders to get involved along with public health leaders and members of the many social agencies that have a stake in trying to help people struggling with opioid addiction.
PHSD was asked to provide details on what has been organized and planned so far.
"A planning committee meets regularly to make decisions about the Summit," said an email response from the PHSD communications office.
"As planning progresses and details are confirmed, the City of Greater Sudbury and Public Health Sudbury & Districts will share updates and are working to have details available soon." the email continued.
Sudbury.com asked for specific information on the event venue, the keynote speakers and the topics of discussion.
"While some of the details you have requested are not yet known, every decision is guided by a set of values and principles, which include the profound respect for individuals with lived and living experience, a deep appreciation for Indigenous perspectives, the cultivation of compassion and empathy, and a commitment to foster collaborative engagement," said the PHSD response.
"The planning committee is actively working to secure an event location, confirm and invite speakers and participants, and identify topics for discussion." the email continued.
The health unit also stated there is concern that the unregulated drug supply in Sudbury is increasingly toxic.
"The rates of drug toxicity and mortality for Sudbury and districts are intensifying despite the community’s best efforts," said the PHSD statement.
"Sudbury and districts currently have one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the province; a rate that is almost three times the provincial average," said PHSD.
