Dear members of CHNIG,
Since 1989, needle and syringe programs (NSPs) have been a core public health intervention to prevent the spread of infections and preserve the health of people who use drugs in Ontario. Despite four decades of evidence underscoring the individual and public health benefits of NSPs, Ontario has chosen to prohibit all Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs from distributing sterile needles and syringes.[iv] This is a dangerous move, especially at a time when HIV infections in Canada are on the rise. The absolute restriction on needle and syringe distribution within HART Hubs completely contradicts a well-researched body of medical and public health evidence showing that these programs prevent HIV and HCV infections.
Below is information about a sign-on letter calling on the Ontario government to reverse the ban on distribution of needles and syringes at HART hubs.
The letter is now ready for researchers and health care providers to sign on – you can find it here: https://www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/25032/?lang=en
And the link to sign on is here: https://forms.office.com/r/NzrsGJbum4