Greater Sudbury mayor Brian Bigger issued a statement about the opioid crisis that has gripped the community.
Opioid-related death rates in Northern Ontario are nearly double that of southern Ontario, and death rates have jumped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rate of opioid-related deaths in the 15 week periods before and after the pandemic for Public Health Sudbury and Districts changed from 10 to 14 deaths per thousand.
The mayor said while the COVID-19 pandemic remains an immediate public health concern, this should not overshadow the ongoing opioid crisis.
“I also wanted to remind us all that the opioid epidemic remains a devastating public health crisis which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement reads. “Too many lives have been tragically lost right here in our community. Look no further than the growing number of crosses beside city hall.”
Bigger also spoke on the people who have died, the people who have been caught up in addiction, and the family and friends who bear witness to loved ones caught up in the crisis.
“I want to personally extend my sympathies, thoughts and prayers to families and friends of members of our community who have died or suffered significant complications from opioid poisoning and to acknowledge the real pain and loss they have felt,” the mayor said. “I can’t even imagine.”
He said the city continues to work with health-care partners to address the crisis, but more support from upper levels of government is needed.”
“I am calling on the provincial and federal governments to be a partner and to invest in the much-needed mental health and addiction supports including a treatment facility and other services needed in Greater Sudbury to address this ongoing crisis and to save lives.”
Bigger’s statement is as follows
I know we’ve been speaking a lot about COVID-19, a very real public health concern for our community.
I also wanted to remind us all that the opioid epidemic remains a devastating public health crisis which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Too many lives have been tragically lost right here in our community. Look no further than the growing number of crosses beside city hall.
In the midst of this crisis, I want to personally extend my sympathies, thoughts and prayers to families and friends of members of our community who have died or suffered significant complications from opioid poisoning and to acknowledge the real pain and loss they have felt. I can’t even imagine.
I remain committed to working with our partners to advance our efforts on treatment, prevention and harm reduction locally.
I am calling on the provincial and federal governments to be a partner and to invest in the much-needed mental health and addiction supports including a treatment facility and other services needed in Greater Sudbury to address this ongoing crisis and to save lives.
