INSIDE THE VILLAGE: The overdose crisis in Ontario could get a whole lot worse

​Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.

On this week's episode: The overdose crisis in Ontario may be about to get a whole lot worse.

Across the country, the opioid epidemic rages on, destroying countless families and leaving frustrated communities searching for solutions. Ontario is no exception. Last month alone, there were 290 suspected drug-related deaths across the province — more than nine per day.

Supervised consumption sites are one tool in the harm-reduction toolbox, a place for addicts to inject or inhale their street drugs under the watchful eye of trained staff. Research has shown these facilities lower the risk of accidental overdose, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and provide a starting point for drug users looking for treatment and withdrawal services.

Doug Ford doesn't agree. He thinks they're a "failed policy" — the "worst thing that could ever happen to a community." And on Tuesday, his government announced it will shutter 10 existing sites that are within 200 meters of schools, and ban all future ones.

In their place, the Ford government plans to open new hubs known as HART ("Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment"). The 19 hubs, funded to the tune of $378-million, will add up to 375 "highly supportive housing units," according to a government news release. They will also aim to connect people to services including mental health treatment, primary care, employment help and other supports.

Harm-reduction advocates and opposition politicians have slammed the change, with some going so far as to say it's a "death sentence" for vulnerable drug users.

Joining us on the podcast this week is someone who knows firsthand how supervised consumption sites keep people alive — and in some cases, steer them on the path to recovery. Amber Fritz was general manager of The Spot, the now-shuttered consumption site in Sudbury.

If you've read the headlines this week and want to learn more about the debate, this is a must-watch episode.

Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.