Publications - CDPE

Reduced risk of overdose among clients of a safer opioid supply program in Southwestern Ontario: A pre-post observational cohort study

as part of Safer Opioid Supply Programs Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

We analyzed data from a pre-post observational cohort of clients enrolled in a SOS program between July 2021 and October 2023. Participants in a SOS program experienced significant reductions in non-fatal overdose during the 6 months following program initiation.

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A scoping review and concept analysis to inform Canada’s safe(r) opioid supply research agenda

as part of Safer Opioid Supply Programs Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

This study highlights the need to better define and standardize the parameters of safer supply approaches, including population, dosing, and intended objectives, to enable a more precise assessment of their potential benefits and risks.

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Barriers and facilitators to safer supply pilot program implementation in Canada: a qualitative assessment of service provider perspectives

as part of Safer Opioid Supply Programs Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

In this study, we examined barriers and facilitators that influenced the implementation of integrated safer supply pilot programs (ISSPP) across Canada.

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Safer opioid supply clients’ values and preferences: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research

as part of Safer Opioid Supply Programs Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies on safer opioid supply client experiences published between January 2016 and August 2024.

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The rise and fall of carfentanil in Toronto's unregulated drug supply

as part of Piloting and Evaluating Drug Checking Services in Toronto, Ontario

This article outlines the need for evidence-based reforms in Toronto’s drug supply approach in the context of fluctuations in potency and increasing lethality of the city’s unregulated opioid market, particularly regarding carfentanil.

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Towards a More Equitable Cannabis Industry in Ontario: Enabling an Inclusive, Diverse, and Vibrant Legal Market

as part of Policy Impact Unit

This report aims to inform Ontario’s cannabis retail sector by offering actionable steps to strengthen inclusion and diversity in Ontario’s cannabis industry based on available evidence and best practices in other jurisdictions with legal cannabis markets.

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Investigating the spatial association between supervised consumption services and homicide rates in Toronto, Canada, 2010–2023: an ecological analysis

as part of T-DOT (Toronto Disparities, Overdose and Treatment)

Supervised consumption services (SCS) are effective at preventing overdose mortality. However, their effect on public safety remains contested. We investigated homicide rates in areas near SCS in Toronto.

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Misguided tariffs will not solve the United States’ overdose crisis

The United States is grappling with a worsening overdose crisis fueled by synthetic opioids like fentanyl, with overdose deaths reaching unprecedented levels. While some propose tariffs on neighboring countries as a solution, such measures risk undermining regional cooperation without effectively addressing the adaptable networks behind drug trafficking. Instead, a comprehensive, evidence-based public health strategy is essential to tackle the crisis and its underlying drivers.

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Motivations for and perspectives of medication diversion among clients of a safer opioid supply program in Toronto, Canada

as part of Safer Opioid Supply Programs Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

Safer opioid supply programs in Canada have come under intense scrutiny related to the perceived risk of diversion of safer opioid supply medications. We sought to explore the experiences and perspectives of safer opioid supply medication diversion with clients of a safer opioid supply program in Toronto, Canada.

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Supervised Consumption Services in Ontario: Evidence and Recommendations

On August 20th, 2024, the Ontario provincial government announced new legislation that would force the closure of most of Ontario’s supervised consumption services. This ban was announced without presenting any supporting scientific, clinical, or public health evidence. This report, is intended to fill this gap. Read about the range of public health and safety impacts these sites provide for our community.

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