Statement re Closure of CTS.

The Ministry of Health has decided to discontinue funding for Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) located within 200 meters of a school or licensed childcare centre, effective March 31, 2025. This decision directly affects our CTS at 70 James Street South and the proposed location at 430 Cannon Street in Hamilton.

Our CTS has been a cornerstone in our harm reduction strategy, providing a safe, controlled environment where individuals dealing with substance use challenges receive supervision from medical professionals. These services are crucial in reducing the risk of overdose, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and ultimately saving lives. Our CTS also alleviates the strain on public health resources by offering integrated, wraparound services that connect clients to primary care, housing supports, ID clinics, and other essential health and social services.

The statistics and outcomes for this vulnerable population who access CTS services are remarkable. In 2023, Hamilton Paramedic Services responded to 964 incidents related to suspected opioid overdoses – an average of 80 incidents per month. In the last quarter of 2023 alone, Hamilton saw the distribution of 43,677 doses of naloxone through pharmacies and Public Health & Naloxone Expansion Sites. Despite these efforts, the most recent data for 2024 reveals that there have already been 450 incidents related to suspected opioid overdoses, with 43 deaths confirmed or suspected to be opioid-related and 117 suspected drug-related deaths. The opioid crisis has been deemed an epidemic in Canada. The closure of CTS across Ontario will likely exacerbate these numbers, particularly in Hamilton. Our own data further underscores the importance of our CTS program. Between April and July 2024, our CTS saw over 4,100 client visits, including 1,278 supervised consumption visits and 2,864 visits for harm reduction, peer support, education or wraparound supports. Drug checking services increased with 428 scans completed. In the last quarter of fiscal year 2023-2024, the Hamilton Urban Core CTS served over 4,000 clients. We recorded over 1,200 supervised consumption visits and more than 2,800 visits for harm reduction supplies, education, or wraparound supports. In 2022-2023, we documented over 10,000 client visits, with 410 new clients, 6,732 visits for harm reduction supplies, and 3,478 supervised consumption visits.

These figures reflect the critical role that the Hamilton Urban Core CTS plays in the lives of our vulnerable clients. We are not only reducing overdose incidents and decreasing the spread of infectious diseases among the public but also maintaining the respect and dignity of our clients while helping to reintegrate them into the community. Stories from our clients illustrate the profound impact of our services. One client shared how our CTS was the first place where they felt truly safe and supported. Another client spoke of how our services prevented them from having a fatal overdose and saved their life. These are not isolated cases – they represent the lived experiences of many vulnerable clients who rely on our CTS services daily.

Despite this setback, Hamilton Urban Core is committed to continuing our support for our vulnerable clients. We will lead Hamilton’s application for the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs, collaborating with our partners to ensure that essential services are not lost. Our proven experience and expertise in providing integrated, client-centred harm reduction services uniquely positions us to lead this initiative.

We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition for our clients. Hamilton Urban Core has always been, and will continue to be, a leader in providing compassionate, accessible care for vulnerable, marginalized and racialized communities who need it most. We thank our partners and community for their unwavering support as we navigate this transition together.

Sincerely,

Sandy Ezepue

Executive Director