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Overdose Awareness Day was Wednesday, Aug. 31, and it’s a good time to reflect. Sudbury is facing an opioid crisis, which we're currently not equipped to deal with.
Chief Paul Pedersen, responding to community complaints about general policing, blamed the opioid crisis.
"There is no question that addictions, homelessness and mental illness have created a vulnerable population that law enforcement and the criminal justice system are ill-equipped to deal with. However, we are often the only agency available to initially respond to these calls."
This gap in service is something the downtown business community has recognized since early in this crisis.
We've looked at successful programs in Ontario communities that help bridge this gap. We found such a program in Guelph and have lobbied to have it introduced in Sudbury for the last two years.
It takes an early intervention approach, with qualified mental health professionals getting to know the people living with addictions in the area.
Businesses can call these mental health professionals at an early sign of a person in crisis when it does not yet warrant police intervention.
These mental health professionals can assist these people in need before they enter a crisis mode that requires law enforcement. Businesses can call at early signs of intoxication when an individual is incoherent or to assist with somebody illegally occupying their property.
Downtown Sudbury first made this ask two years ago and was sent off to different departments to find funding and has spent significant resources to get this program the attention it deserves, even with the backing of councillors McCausland and Cormier.
Yet, Sault Ste Marie, in communications with Downtown Sudbury and Guelph, was able to go from idea to launch in a very short period with the backing of their council, who recognized crises require emergency response timelines and processes.
In Guelph, this program has been running for a few years. Police have seen a drastic reduction in calls for service.
Businesses have gained a better relationship with a population struggling with addiction or mental health. And gains are being made to real recovery for community members struggling with opioids or mental health while the downtown business district is recovering quicker from the impacts of COVID.
A greater level of respect, compassion and urgency leads to better outcomes. These are outcomes we could currently be expecting in Sudbury by simply moving forward with a proven success story and heeding the call from the police currently on the front line to deal with police work they are equipped for.
Jeff MacIntyre is the former chair of the Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area. He is also running for Greater Sudbury city council in Ward 12 in the upcoming municipal election.
