OWEN SOUND – The Grey Bruce Board of Health has endorsed a letter from the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa), sent to Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones concerning the new addiction treatment hubs.
Dr. Ian Arra, medical officer of health, said public health is supportive of the new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs that the province is promoting. However, he said the letter is asking for a “balanced approach where harm reduction is included in the whole spectrum of care.”
The letter states that “alPHa is urging the provincial government to have an approach to substance use that includes the full spectrum of care, ranging from harm reduction to treatment to recovery supports, as part of a comprehensive drug strategy.”
The letter also urges the province to create additional HART Hubs in both urban areas, where demand is highest, and in rural and northern communities where travel distances can be an issue for those seeking services.
Arra said he personally advocates prevention as the first step, and views harm reduction as the secondary step in prevention. He went on to say that endorsing a wholistic approach seems reasonable.
The board made a motion to endorse the letter.
Kevin Eccles asked if the “hub” model is the same as the new Wellness and Recovery Centre in Owen Sound.
Arra said it’s not quite the same. The Wellness and Recovery Centre is based on both harm reduction and recovery principles. Grey-Bruce has never had a safe consumption site but does have SOS outreach. He said he’s comfortable with the “design that works best for us.”
Beverly Wilkins commented on touring the Owen Sound facility, suggesting that anyone who has a chance, should do the same. Located in the former Bayview School, the facility has both inpatient and outpatient services. “Bravo to what they are doing there,” she said.
Helen-Claire Tingling said she thinks the province’s decision to move forward with the HART model is a good one.
During his report on the opioid situation – a standing item on the Grey-Bruce board’s agenda – Arra announced “good news” regarding the SOS (Supportive Outreach Services) program.
The program, designed by Dr. Rim Zayed and team, has won the Ontario Health System Quality and Innovation Award. Arra noted the award is a highly competitive one.
Arra congratulated the entire Grey-Bruce team, and commended Grey County paramedics for the integral role they played. He said it’s great news for everyone in Grey-Bruce.
Kenneth Craig asked if Bruce County paramedics are involved to the same extent as their Grey County counterparts.
Arra said the level of involvement is high in both counties, but the Grey County involvement is somewhat different.
