There have been multiple drug overdose-related deaths within the City of Orillia over the last six weeks.
Lynn Thomas, development and communications manager with the Lighthouse, says the organization is frustrated with the situation.
“We know that the OPP is doing everything they can, but it’s time for the government to step up and help with the mental health crisis that is stemming from the pandemic and making people feel fearful and helpless,” she said.
“I’m not an expert on addictions, but I know what we are seeing and what the community is seeing. I think it’s of high importance and needs to be addressed.”
Thomas believes there have been at least five overdose deaths in Orillia over the last six weeks. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit was unable to confirm the statistics; a spokesperson said officials were "unable to speak to specific deaths."
1/2 Individuals using drugs for non-medical reasons should avoid using alone, start with smaller amounts, plan to have someone check on them, consider using the National Overdose Prevention line at 1-888- 688-NORS (6677) & always carry naloxone. ...... pic.twitter.com/zT9J2HW2Ju
— SMDHU (@SMDhealthunit) August 18, 2021
For Thomas, the evidence is apparent. She says the Lighthouse has seen a dramatic rise in the number of participants during the pandemic, and she says other agencies have as well.
“The stats speak for themselves: people are in crisis. They are trying to cope the best they can with these uncertain times,” she said.
“I think we’ve been focusing on physical health for 18 months, which is important, but we can’t ignore all these signs," said Thomas. "These are pretty serious stats that are happening and it’s not just the deaths that we are taking notice of, we are noticing how many people are experiencing homelessness who are falling into substance use."
Thomas encourages community members to seek help for individuals who they may suspect are experiencing homelessness or are suffering from addictions.
“There is a lot of stigma out there, but 99 percent of the people that we have seen within our organization who have overdosed don’t wish to die. They are just going through some trauma and trying to cope,” she said.
“There are crisis lines in the community that people can call if they are in distress. You can call 211 to find out those numbers if you don’t have them at your disposal," she explained.
City Councillor Ralph Cipolla says council and Mayor Steve Clarke are working with the Orillia OPP and social service agencies such as the Lighthouse to address the issue locally.
“The first step is finding out the cause, which is so important. Is it housing? Is it jobs? Is it not being paid enough to make a sustainable living? We need to figure that out before we have a remedy,” Cipolla says.
Cipolla says the recent crisis hits home for him.
“A couple of friends of mine who are parents and grandparents have lost their child or grandchildren to opioids,” he said.
“My main goal is to make Orillia a better place for our children and grandchildren to grow up in," said the longtime councillor. "Our children and grandchildren can’t survive unless they are given the opportunity to enhance their education, get proper living accommodation, and also get help with mental illness.”
Cipolla says he’s been told that the opioid crisis has taken more lives over the last 18 months than COVID-19.
“We have to do something, we have to make our community safe, and I know the Mayor and council is working on it,” he said.
Cipolla says the city needs to listen to young people more and go to the schools to have conversations and educate the youth.
“Drugs are a problem for our future, and if you continue to use them then it’s only going to be detrimental to your future, how you grow up, and how you fit into society,” he said.
