Health System Transformation — Speaking Up and Speaking Out

Decriminalization of simple drug possession is part of a multi-pronged harm reduction approach to address the opioid crisis and toxic drug supply in Ontario. Watch this video to learn more about the issues and hear from our panellists who represent lived experiences.

In 2021, preliminary data from Public Health Ontario reported an average of eight people per day died from an opioid-related overdose across the province — an alarming 85 per cent increase over pre-pandemic levels. People are losing their lives needlessly, leaving their families and communities in anguish.

Learn more about the issues and hear from our panellists who represent lived experiences, legal perspectives and front-line clinical practice.

Panellists:

• Cori Chapman - retired nurse, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother
• Kathy Moreland - RN, an active member of MOMS STOP THE HARM
• Sandra Ka Hon Chu - lawyer and co-executive director of the HIV Legal Network
• Marysia (Mish) Waraksa - NP and clinical lead for the Parkdale Queen West Safer Opioids Supply Program
• Émilie Frenette - primary health care NP and supervisor of The Works, Toronto Public Health’s injectable opioid agonist therapy program

During this webinar, we also covered ways to take action and influence change during municipal elections in Ontario. Visit RNAO’s #DecriminalizeNow campaign for more information.