Police And Health Unit Partner On Drug Strategy

By:Nick Liard

In 2015, Greater Sudbury Police responded to an average of one overdose call every day, and three calls per day for alcohol intoxication.

In an effort to reduce those numbers and to get those suffering the correct help, GSPS and the Sudbury and District Health Unit have launched a Community Drug Strategy website and video.

Strategy Co-Chair, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe says it’s hopefully a conversation starter between parents and children or with friends and co-workers.

The website and strategy has 50 community partners and that support has impressed Police Chief, Paul Pedersen.

He says the goal is to save lives by getting those who need it help.

Between 2008 and 2014, 124 people died from drug toxicity in Greater Sudbury, 108 of those were from prescription drugs.

The website takeactionsudbury.ca, deals with everything from challenges of keeping medications out of the reach of youth to keeping streets safe by preventing drinking and driving.