Health officials want barriers removed to opioid treatment on northern reserves – Ottawa Citizen
Oct 17, 2016
As Ontario expands access to drugs to treat opioid addiction, federally funded reserves in northern Ontario still face unnecessary barriers, say health officials there.
Dr. Claudette Chase, the community physician in Eabametoong First Nation, or Fort Hope, wants the federal government to follow Ontario’s lead when it comes to easier access to suboxone, a drug that treats opioid addiction by preventing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the euphoric effects of the opiate. She said money is also needed for better training for community members running the program.
Ontario announced easier access to suboxone as part of a strategy to battle the opioid crisis. Chase said she hopes the federal government follows suit by removing existing barriers to the drug and offering more support to northern communities battling the crisis.
