Windsor to launch strategy to deal with opioid crisis

Mayor Drew Dilkens announced 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 has come 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-Essex County 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. Wajid Ahmed, acting medical health officer.

While the strategy will focus on opioids, the health unit wants to use data it gathers for 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-Essex Community 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.