Saying drug overdose is a serious health issue in Toronto, the city’s medical officer of health’s recommending three health centres offer supervised injection for drug users.

Most current numbers show 206 died from a drug overdose in Toronto in 2013, up 41% from 2004.

Dr. David McKeown’s proposing these sites be integrated into existing harm-reduction programs in Toronto – the Queen West-Central Toronto Community Health Centre on Bathurst Street at Queen West, the South Riverdale Community Health Centre on Queen East just east of Carlaw Avenue and the Toronto Public Health facility on Victoria Street at Dundas East.

He says supervised injection sites save lives and limit the spread of disease like HIV and Hepatitis C by reducing the sharing of dirty needles.

”Research has also shown that there are benefits for the community, that they reduce the public drug use and discarded needles associated with injection drug use and in fact they do not increase criminal activity in areas where they are located.”

Dr. McKeown’s report goes to the Board of Health meeting March 21.

Public consultations are required for federal government approval of the sites.