Windsor to launch strategy to deal with opioid crisis

Mayor Drew Dilkensannounced Friday a city strategy to deal with the opioid crisis in the Windsor region.

Flanked by police and health care officials during a news conference at city hall, the mayor said a team of community organizations hascome up with a strategy to tackle the issue on several fronts.

"Our goal is come up with a local strategy that supports short- and long-term sustainable solutions," he said.

With 24 people dying from opioid overdoses in 2015, officials from the Windsor-EssexCounty Health Unit describe the problem as a crisis requiring immediate action.

The health unit plans to conduct a "needs assessment" based on information gathered from people who have experienced addiction, said Dr.WajidAhmed,acting medical health officer.

While the strategy will focus onopioids,the health unit wants touse data it gathersfor a comprehensive drug strategy for the whole region.

To help pay for a harm-reduction program, the health unit received $250,000 from the provincial government. The money will allow for dedicated resources specifically for assessments and surveillance.

The Windsor-EssexCommunity Health Centre will be a major player in the strategy as well.

The organization will spend $20,000 to pay for harm-reduction supplies, including needle disposal bins that will be mounted at the Street Health building on Pelissier Street.