Pubdate: Tue, 21 Nov 2017
Source: Sentinel Review (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Woodstock Sentinel Review
Contact: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/letters
Website: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2385
Author: Heather Rivers
Page: A1

DRUG STRATEGY UNIQUE TO OXFORD

The county issued a request for proposals last week for local drug
strategy to address opioid and other substance misuse issues

Oxford County is zeroing in on the development of a local drug
strategy that would include an overdose response plan for the opioid
crisis.

Last week, the county issued a request for proposals for the
development of a drug strategy to enhance local opioid response while
working towards building a sustainable community outreach and response
capacity.

"We are reaching out to individuals and organizations who may be
interested in developing a drug strategy for Oxford County to address
opiate issues and other substance misuse," said Peter Heywood, manager
of health protection for Oxford County public health. "We look forward
to reviewing those proposals in a couple weeks."

According to the Opioid and Other Substance Misuse in Oxford County
report, the rate of opioid-related deaths in Oxford County is increasing.

In 2016, there were seven deaths, on par with the province's average
of 6.2.

The report also indicated that prescription opioid use among Oxford
County residents was higher than average compared to other counties
for opioid maintenance therapy.

The new drug strategy would be designed to leverage programs and
services already offered by public health and other community
organizations.

The multi-faceted approach will target a broad range of substances
that includes opioids, alcohol, cannabis and prescription drugs.

Prior to the implementation of the drug strategy, a situational
assessment is being conducted over the next four to six months that
would include input from community leaders; those with lived
experience; and those who work in treatment, prevention and
enforcement, as well as public health.

Heywood said the strategy would be tailored to fit the needs of the
community.

"Oxford County is a unique community with its own issues," he
said.

Funded by $150,000 from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,
public health is mandated to develop the Harm Reduction Program
Enhancement.

The program included expanded opioid response, naloxone distribution
and training, and opioid early warning and surveillance.
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