Middlesex-London Health Unit begins consultation process into supervised injection sites

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is seeking feedback on supervised consumption sites.

On Thursday, the health unit launched an online survey and announced nine public meetings have been scheduled throughout November on the contentious issue.

“The misuse of opioid drugs has claimed thousands of lives across the country over the last decade, including nearly 400 deaths in our community alone. In contrast to the decline in the provincial HIV infection rate, the rate in our community is climbing due to injection drug use,” said Dr. Chris Mackie, London’s medical officer of health.

“Supervised consumption facilities, like those already established, have been shown to help address public health issues, while also reducing public drug injection and needle waste. Our community needs supervised consumption facilities and we want your advice on how best to achieve that.”

The survey will remain open until Dec. 15.

Community consultation meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

• Nov. 7: Marconi Club, 120 Clarke Rd., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Nov. 8: Canada Games Aquatic Centre, 1045 Wonderland Rd., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 13: BMO Centre, 295 Rectory St., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Nov. 15: Goodwill Centre, 255 Horton St., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Nov. 21: Byron Recreation Centre, 1308 Norman Ave., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 27: South London Community Centre, 585 Bradley Ave., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 28, Middlesex County Building, 399 Ridout St. N., 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Nov. 29: Stronach Community Recreation Centre, 1221 Sandford St., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 29: Stoney Creek Library, 920 Sunningdale Rd. E., 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.