The ODPRN Citizens’ Panel recently launched an initiative to raise awareness and understanding of current drug policy issues experienced by the general public by providing a platform for meaningful conversation between citizens of Ontario. The ODPRN will be conducting virtual town halls with other Ontario Citizens who are invited to share stories and raise questions on topics related to drug policy research in Ontario. A moderator and a content specialist will be available to answer questions and offer insight. These discussions will be used by ODPRN and other groups to inform future research and policy priorities that incorporates perspectives of people with lived experience.
ODPRN Town Hall on Preventing Toxic Drug Deaths in Ontario Shelters
The objective of this Town Hall was to provide a platform for people to share their experiences, express their opinions, and raise questions about substance use within shelter settings. Participants discussed what improvements can be made to prevent harms related to substance toxicity within shelter settings and expand access to services to support people who use drugs who are experiencing homelessness. Co-facilitators Tara Gomes and Zoë Dodd were available to answer questions and offer insight.
Our hope is that the perspectives shared throughout this Town Hall and the accompanying summary report can be used by researchers to identify patient-oriented research needs and by policymakers to consider gaps and/or opportunities for improvement in shelter settings and the healthcare system.
Read the reports and listen to audio clips from individuals who shared live during previous Town Halls
Please share how these Town Halls have had an impact!
Call for Post-Town Hall Submissions
Following Town Hall events, people are encouraged to submit written or pre-recorded stories reflecting on the discussions or sharing additional experiences and insights. These submissions will be carefully reviewed and may be incorporated into future reports to further amplify the voices of those with lived experience. This ongoing engagement is vital in maintaining a continuous dialogue that goes beyond a single event. By sharing these stories, we aim to better understand the lived experiences in our communities to drive meaningful change in drug policy.
To submit experiences for any of the previous Town Halls, please contact Dana Shearer at Dana.Shearer@unityhealth.to.