The number of people taking advantage of Ontario’s first Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) in London has steadily grown since the facility opened its doors last month.
The Middlesex London Health Unit said Thursday the facility's clientele jumped to 44 this week, up from just four on opening day two weeks ago. According to health officials, the increase shows drug users are gaining confidence and trust in the facility and its staff.
“The stories coming out of this facility are truly inspiring and beyond what we could have hoped for,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie in a statement. “We’re seeing meaningful connections being established between people that would never have been possible without this facility.”
The site at 186 King St., where drug users can consume narcotics without fear of a fatal overdose, opened its doors on February 12, thanks in part to $130,700 in funding from the province. It shares the space with the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, a spot already familiar to those who use injection drugs as it houses a needle exchange program.
To date, there have been no overdoses reported at the facility.
“We’ve seen clients providing peer-to-peer feedback and support when they’re at the TOPS, even referring to our code of conduct with fellow clients when they observe behaviour that could have a negative impact on the site,” said Sonja Burke, director of Counterpoint Harm Reduction Services, at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection. “Some of our clients were unsure about the TOPS initially, but now that they’re becoming more familiar with our team and the process here, the level of trust and confidence keeps growing.”
London police have not reported any changes in the level of activity in the area near the facility since its opening, according to health officials. People using the services enter through a separate entrance at the back of the building.
The site is intended to prevent opioid overdoses and deaths and is part of the province's response to the opioid drug crisis.
TOPS operate Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. The health unit is continuing its effort to get approval for one or more permanent supervised consumption facilities within the city.
