SUMMARY:
There is a growing opioid/fentanyl substance abuse crisis in communities within the Eglinton Avenue West area. This crisis is having devastating impacts on victims of opioid/fentanyl abuse and a coordinated, comprehensive, multi-partner public health response is required to help victims of substance abuse, and address the impact that this crisis is also having on the local residential and retail areas along Eglinton Avenue West.
There is a real and immediate need for medical intervention and support to help victims of opioid abuse.
Efforts to address this crisis have been ongoing by Toronto Public Health, community organizations, local residents, along with the local police at 13 Division, but these efforts need to be reinforced by additional agencies and resources in a comprehensive and coordinated way.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. City Council request the General Manager of Social Development, Finance and Administration to work with the General Manager of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, Toronto Public Health, local police at 13 Division, local Business Improvement Areas, local residents, people living with addiction issues, and any other City departments and agencies to prepare an action plan to tackle this growing opioid/fentanyl crisis in the Eglinton Avenue West area.
This action plan should consider the following as urgent priorities:
A. A coordinated public health action plan focused on providing medical support and interventions for the victims of the opioid/fentanyl crisis.
B. The deployment of a Community Safety Team (based on the model currently being used at the temporary hotel shelters) in the Eglinton Avenue West area where is this opioid/fentanyl abuse crisis appears to be impacting individuals and the local community.
C. The establishment of a permanent, storefront health clinic in the Eglinton Avenue West area to provide urgently needed medical intervention and supports to victims of substance abuse.
D. Expanded outreach to the provincial and federal governments to explore programs and secure additional resources in support of the City's efforts to deal with the public health crisis caused by the opioid/fentanyl crisis.
