The Consumption and Treatment Services site (CTS) at 220 Simcoe in Peterborough is a health service that provides a safe, clean space for people to consume pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of health professionals. Staff are present at all times to respond to medical emergencies. Individuals are also provided with sterile injection supplies, education on safer consumption practices, basic medical services, and referrals to drug treatment, housing, and other social services.
The site layout features a variety of features that not only provide a safe space for clients to consume their drugs, but also offer connections on-site to supports that can assist with health, housing, employment, and other related services.
The following video provides an overview of the CTS and its services.
Video produced c/o Peterborough Public Health
How do these services work?
Supervised consumption sites do not provide drugs. Clients come to the program with their own supply of drugs. An intake worker greets each person and completes an assessment to confirm they are eligible to use the service and that they understand how it works. The client is given sterile injection equipment and instruction on safer injection practices. In a neighbouring room, a nurse supervises their injection and responds in the case of any medical emergencies.
Once the individual has finished their injection, they are directed to a waiting room for ongoing observation and to receive information and referrals about other health and social services.
What are the benefits of these services?
Canadian and International research shows that supervised injections services provide many benefits both for individuals using the services and for the community, including:
- Reduced drug overdoses, poisonings, and deaths
- Reduced risk factors leading to infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis
- Increased use of detox and drug treatment services
- Connection and referral to other health and social services
- Reduced public drug use and less publicly discarded needles
- Cost-effectiveness
- No impact on crime or increased drug use in the local community