OnPoint Supervised Consumption Services (SCS) offers a realistic, public health approach to reducing the harmful physical and mental effects of prolonged substance use. Located at 145 Queen Street East, OnPoint provides a low-barrier, safe space for people who use drugs, particularly those experiencing stigma, the drug poisoning crisis, and the long-term effects of trauma.
At OnPoint, community members have access to sterile drug use supplies, overdose prevention education, drug testing services, and life-saving supervision by trained staff. The site serves as a critical first point of healthcare access and connection for many, offering not only safe consumption services but also referrals to other vital resources such as drug treatment, housing, and income support.
Key Services:
Safe Consumption: People who use injectable drugs can do so under the supervision of trained staff, helping to prevent overdoses and reduce the risk of infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.
Harm Reduction Support: OnPoint provides education on overdose prevention, harm reduction strategies, and access to safer drug use supplies, helping people manage their substance use and minimize its impact on their health.
Referral Services: The program offers connections to additional healthcare services, including counselling, support groups, and drug treatment, as well as assistance with housing and income support.
Community Integration: OnPoint is an essential health intervention that complements Fred Victor’s broader range of health, housing, and employment services, supporting individuals in their journey toward wellness.
Why It Matters:
In 2023, nearly 4,000 Canadians died from apparent opioid overdoses, making it the leading known cause of death among people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Research shows that supervised consumption sites like OnPoint save lives, reduce the spread of infections, and do not lead to increased crime or new drug users.
Eligibility and Access to Services
OnPoint is a low-barrier, anonymous service open to people who use drugs. To access services, individuals must provide a name (or pseudonym), date of birth, and the name of the substance intended for use. Participants must have their substances before entry and must be using injection or snorting methods, as smoking is not permitted inside.
OnPoint Supervised Consumption Services is here to provide critical support and life-saving services to those who need it most, helping to reduce the harm associated with substance use and promote community health and safety.