Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site (KMOPS)

FAQs

• What is an overdose prevention site?
  An overdose prevention site is a clean, protected environment where people can use substances under the supervision of trained staff. Sites follow the principles of harm reduction: to reduce the risk of disease and death for people who use substances.
• Why is an overdose prevention site needed in Kensington Market?
  The City identified the Kensington Market area as a ‘hot spot’ based on the high rate of suspected overdoses indicated by paramedics and hospitals. 
   
• How do overdose prevention sites help the community?

  There are many ways overdose prevention sites help the community: Data from existing sites shows:

  • Reduced health care costs
  • Fewer overdose deaths
  • Decreased public drug use
  • Reduced discarded equipment in public spaces
  • Increased use of treatment services for people with issues of substance use
• How has COVID-19 affected the need for overdose prevention sites?
  Dramatically. Before the pandemic, opioid overdose deaths had increased by 52% with a 72% increase in suspected overdose admissions to emergency rooms. 
  
  During the pandemic, overdose deaths increased by a staggering 79%.
• What precautions does KMOPS take?

  The Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site takes the safety and security of people who use the Site, staff and the community very seriously. Precautions include:

  • Extra doorperson on-hand to ensure safety and security

  • Safe biohazard waste disposal available

  • Specially-trained staff and people with lived experience available to help on site

  • Partnerships established with police, emergency services and public health

• Is KMOPS funded by the government?
  No. On March 29, 2019, Ontario stopped funding our Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site without any warning. Funding now comes solely from private donations.