Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, recently released his 2023 Annual Report, titled „Balancing Act: An All-of-Society Approach to Addressing Substance Use and Harms.“ This comprehensive report delves into the challenges associated with substance use and the alarming rise in substance-related harms, offering evidence-based recommendations for a holistic approach to tackling these pressing issues.
The report sheds light on the use of mood-altering substances in Ontario, with a particular focus on cannabis, alcohol, opioids, tobacco, and vaping products containing nicotine. Data from the COVID-19 pandemic revealed troubling trends in substance use and harms in Ontario, including a significant increase in opioid-related deaths, a rise in vaping among non-smokers, more adults using cannabis leading to increased emergency department visits, a spike in alcohol toxicity deaths, and a surge in youth using alcohol, cannabis, and vaping products.
While the rate of cigarette smoking is declining, the increase in vaping among youth and non-tobacco users is concerning. Additionally, rates of alcohol, cannabis, and opioid-related harms are on the rise in Simcoe Muskoka. Shockingly, an average of 25 suspected overdose emergency department visits occur in the region every week, with 144 opioid-related deaths reported in 2023, most commonly among individuals aged 25 to 44. Tragically, in 2024, 98 people have already lost their lives to suspected drug-related deaths in the community.
The impact of substance-related harms on individuals, families, and communities has made it a top priority for public health and various sectors. To address the multifaceted factors contributing to substance use and its harms, a balanced approach involving communities, individuals with lived experience, government entities, Indigenous organizations, and healthcare and social service sectors is essential. Collaborative efforts are aimed at building healthy families and communities, providing necessary knowledge, skills, supports, and services to prevent substance use harms, and offering harm reduction and treatment services for those affected.
As an active participant in the Simcoe Muskoka Drug Strategy, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is dedicated to partnering to combat the harms of the current drug toxicity crisis in the region. The health unit continues to implement programs that prevent substance use, promote healthy families and communities, and create policies that reduce substance use and associated harms. Additionally, the SMDHU offers vital harm reduction services to support individuals in need.
For more information about the health unit and its programs, individuals can visit smdhu.org. To speak with a public health professional, individuals can contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In conclusion, Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Lisa Simon, Associate Medical Officer of Health, emphasize the importance of a collaborative, evidence-based approach to addressing substance use and harms. By working together with various stakeholders and implementing thoughtful strategies, communities can strive towards healthier lives and reduced substance-related harms.