Open letter: Health organizations warn Ontario government closure of supervised consumption services sites will increase HIV and hepatitis transmission
RNAO joins 70 regional, provincial and national health organizations in signing an open letter to Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo about the risks associated with closing supervised consumption services (SCS) sites and restricting harm reduction services.
The letter warns these actions will significantly increase the risk of viral and bacterial disease transmission, specifically HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections. These potential transmissions will further strain Ontario’s already burdened health-care system.
The government must reverse its decision and reinstate SCSs and harm reduction measures to those who need them in Ontario. Read the letter, and download, print and circulate RNAO's petition calling for continued operation of SCS and associated harm reduction programs.
