Safer Opioid Supply Program in Canada Helps Those Who Face Overdose Risks

published on September 27, 2022 by Carolyn Crist in Medscape

The Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) Program near Toronto, Canada, appears to be a safe and effective harm-reduction initiative, according to new data.

An analysis indicates that the program is associated with a reduction in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and overall healthcare costs. In addition, there were no opioid-related deaths among participants who were at high risk of overdose.

“Not only did hospital engagements decline immediately after starting SOS programs, but also the risk of overdose did not change, and there were no opioid-related deaths in the 1-year follow-up,” study author Tara Gomes, PhD, an assistant professor of health policy, management, and evaluation at the University of Toronto and a scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, told Medscape Medical News…