New group proposes supervised consumption site as opioids continue to take Sault lives

A new organization says it wants public feedback on creating a supervised consumption site as the Sault continues to struggle with an overdose crisis.

Willow Addiction Support Services says it will hold a series of Zoom consultations over the next two weeks where the public can ask questions about its application.

“Willow Addiction Support Services aims to address gaps in service and provide low threshold, harm reduction-based support services to Sault Ste Marie, and the Algoma District," said Desiree Beck, the group’s executive director, in a release issued today.  "Our objective is to establish supportive services for those suffering from substance use disorders and provide pathways to community resources and assist in accessing rehabilitation services."

The region’s healthcare system is stretched, according to Algoma’s top doctor, as the opioid crisis has worsened amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Jennifer Loo, Algoma Public Health (APH) medical officer of health and CEO, said last week that Algoma’s opioid death rate puts it among the top four health districts in the province.

Local lawyer Jeff Broadbent, who serves as the new organization’s chair, says that more than 60 people died due to opioid addiction in 2020 and he expects that figure to rise this year.

“Algoma leads the province in the growth of the crisis,” said Broadbent, in a news release. “The cost to human life and to surviving family and friends is incalculable. The cost to the community is measured in demands on emergency health response and policing and increased crime from organized criminals exploiting addiction.  Organizations such as Willow Addiction Support Services are a proven method of saving lives, reducing social and economic costs and enhancing the wellbeing of a community."  

The following is the full text of Willow Addiction Support Services release, including consultation dates and information about how to sign up:

On behalf of CHAAT member Desiree Beck, Willow Addiction Support Services is announcing Public Consultations for a Supervised Consumption Space program in Sault Ste Marie. The Board of Directors of Willow Addiction Support Services wish to advise the citizens of Sault Ste Marie of a series of upcoming community consultations.

These consultations will be taking place to advise the public of, and provide an opportunity to ask questions regarding an application to operate a Supervised Consumption space in Sault Ste Marie. "Willow Addiction Support Services aims to address gaps in service and provide low threshold, harm reduction-based support services to Sault Ste Marie, and the Algoma District," says Executive Director Desiree Beck.

"Our objective is to establish supportive services for those suffering from substance use disorders and provide pathways to community resources and assist in accessing rehabilitation services."

"Opioid addiction killed more than 60 people in our community last year and will take more this year,'' says Willow Addiction Support Services Chair Jeff Broadbent. 

"Algoma leads the province in the growth of the crisis. The cost to human life and to surviving family and friends is incalculable. The cost to the community is measured in demands on emergency health response and policing and increased crime from organized criminals exploiting addiction. Organizations such as Willow Addiction Support Services are a proven method of saving lives, reducing social and economic costs and enhancing the wellbeing of a community."  

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police last year also identified safe consumption services as an important tool to deal with the opioid crisis. Due to the continued impact of the ongoing overdose crisis affecting all members of our community, Willow is inviting members of the public to participate in these consultations.

There will be ten sessions in total. Due to the current COVID-19 guidelines these consultations will take place over Zoom.

Dates for the consultations are as follows;

• July 5 - 1st session at 5 p.m., 2nd session at 7 p.m.
• July 7 - 1st session at 5 p.m., 2nd session at 7 p.m.
• July 12 - 1st session at 5 p.m., 2nd session at 7 p.m.
• July 14 -1st session at 5p.m., 2nd session at 7 p.m.
• July 15 1st session at 5 p.m., 2nd session at 7 p.m.

Consultations are limited to 15 individuals per session. Please email our consultation team at [email protected] to secure your place. Please indicate the date and time of the consultation you wish to attend.

A zoom link will be emailed to you once your spot has been secured. If you are unable to attend the consultations but have questions or comments, please email [email protected].

"When done right, by professionals and responsible community members, this kind of proven service can be added to the tools to help save lives while we fight for services and facilities to become available", says Robert Peace of CHAAT.

Willow Addiction Support Services Board of Directors include the following:

• Erin Kucher, RPN 
• Terri Nicholson, Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor 
• Professor Corinne Onovo
• Elder Christina Agawa
• Professor Donna Mansfield, BSW, RSW, CCW (CYC Cert) 
• Bill Johnson, retired Lawyer/Crown Attorney
• Hon. W. Larry Whalen, Retired Superior Court of Ontario Judge
• Paul Skeggs, Lawyer 
• Jeff Broadbent, Lawyer 
• Dr. Kirk Zufelt, Physician 
• Desiree Beck, Executive Director 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DESIREE BECK AT  [email protected] OR ROBERT PEACE AT 647 778 6696