Two big steps have been taken… to battle Timmins’ dubious reputation of having the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in Ontario.

The district hospital has announced the establishment of an inpatient addictions medicine consult team” and a community withdrawal management program.

The consult team provides support to patients who abuse opioids and other substances.  There is also a follow-up component for once the patient is discharged.

And the withdrawal management program is an alternative to residential withdrawal.  I helps the patient withdraw from alcohol or other drugs. It includes counselling, medication monitoring and transition planning.

More details are expected to be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting.

Dr.s Julie Samson and Louisa Marion-Bellemare were a delegation to the October 27th  council meeting, outlining what needs to be done to address addictions problems in the city.

Tonight, they’re expected to elaborate on the two new initiatives.