Sign in

Ontario Drug Policy Research Network

@odprn.bsky.social
372 followers 73 following 234 posts

The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network provides timely, high quality drug policy research impacting societal outcomes & improving healthcare systems

PostsRepliesMedia
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 5h
On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we remain committed to continuing to listen, learn, and take action in response to the Calls to Action through our work. Read our statement below. #NDTR #TruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #Reconciliation
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
NEW ODPRN study described trends in law enforcement seizures of opioid-containing pills across Canada Findings revealed substantial fluctuations in the number of counterfeit fentanyl pills seized, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Canada’s unregulated drug supply odprn.ca/research/pub...
001
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
New ODPRN report found that the number of older adults living with opioid use disorder (OUD) in Ontario has more than doubled since 2017. "They are going to be left behind more and more as time goes on if we don't react quickly," Tara Gomes told @thestar.com www.thestar.com/news/ontario...
thestar.com
Why older adults in Ontario are facing an 'overlooked and evolving' opioid crisis
A new study from researchers at Unity Health paints an alarming picture for people over 55.
000
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
Unity Health Toronto @unityhealthto.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Opioid use disorder among older adults in Ontario has more than doubled since 2017, finds a new Ontario Drug Policy Research Network report from St. Michael’s Hospital and U of T's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Read more: ow.ly/9mc750ZQE65
012
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
NEW ODPRN report examines opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid toxicity harms among older adults in Ontario. Findings show a growing opioid crisis among older adults, with rising trends seen across OUD diagnoses, opioid-related hospital visits, and opioid toxicity death. odprn.ca/research/pub...
002
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
NEW ODPRN study found that between January 2018 and June 2022, 782 Ontarians died of benzodiazepine-related toxicity. Of these deaths, 98.1% involved another substance and 1/5 had experienced a hospital-treated substance toxicity in the year prior to death. Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
odprn.ca
Characterizing trends and patterns in benzodiazepine-related toxicity deaths in Ontario - ODPRN
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
📣 Upcoming Webinar: Opioid-related harms among older adults in Ontario 📅 Sep 24, 2026 1:00 pm ET The ODPRN and CATIE will be presenting key findings from an upcoming report examining opioid use disorder and opioid toxicity harms among older adults in Ontario. www.catie.ca/opioid-relat...
catie.ca
Opioid-related harms among older adults in Ontario
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The ODPRN is now accepting applications for our FREE Drug Policy Student Research Training Program! Trainees involved in this program will have access to online training and networking opportunities with scientific academic researchers and ministry representatives. odprn.ca/student-trai...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
NEW ODPRN study found that the 2022 pediatric antipyretic shortage did not lead to increased rates of fever-related ED visits or acetaminophen poisoning-related ED visits in either Ontario or Alberta. Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Today on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the people we have lost to Canada’s drug toxicity crisis. To mark this day, we're projects and resources that can help to support informed conversations that point toward the kind of change communities are working to build. odprn.ca/ioad/
100
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
July data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC is now available. 🚨There were 219 suspect drug-related deaths reported in July 2026 in Ontario. Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Patients & Pharmacists Wanted! ⭐ CareMAPRx is conducting virtual interviews to learn more about real-world experiences with pharmacist prescribing. 🔗 Check out the link below for details and eligibility. redcap.its.dal.ca/surveys/?s=H... #pharmacyresearch #patientvoice #pharmacist
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
1 week left until our Town Hall! Participants will reflect on lessons they learned while navigating Patient Support Programs (PSPs), the supports that were most helpful or challenging, and questions they still have. 📅 August 18, 2026 🕛 12:00–1:30 PM ET ca01web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
📸 Construction & Trades snapshot summary. Learn about key findings in the trends and circumstances surrounding opioid toxicity deaths among individuals working in the Construction and Trades sector. Details and information on other sectors can be found at odprn.ca/research/pub...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
OCC data on opioid-related toxicities in Ontario is now available for 2026 Q1. Update includes: - Trends in opioid-related deaths over time, stratified by age, sex, and substances involved. - # of opioid-related deaths by Public Health Unit and Census Subdivision. odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
“When we kind of think about why people working in construction and trades are impacted, I think it’s the intersection of stigma surrounding talking about substance use and untreated pain” - Shaleesa Ledlie with CHCH www.chch.com/chch-news/ne... Read the report at odprn.ca/research/pub...
lnkd.in
Checking your browser - reCAPTCHA
010
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Join us for our upcoming Town Hall as we explore the experiences of people with long-term chronic conditions as well as their family/caregivers who have interacted with Patient Support Programs (PSPs). 📅 August 18, 2026 🕛 12:00–1:30 PM ET 🔗 odprn.ca/town-halls
000
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy @pharmacy.utoronto.ca · 22/07/2026
New research from the @odprn.bsky.social, co-authored by Prof. Tara Gomes, found that while opioid toxicity affects workers across every sector, those in construction and trades experienced the highest rates of opioid toxicity deaths between 2018 and 2024: www.pharmacy.utoronto.ca/news-announc...
pharmacy.utoronto.ca
Rates of opioid toxicity deaths highest among construction and trades workers, study finds
New report led by Professor (status) Tara Gomes highlights opioid toxicity deaths among Ontario workers, identifying specific sectors suffering the most.
011
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
NEW report examines the difference in opioid-related harms across occupations in Ontario. Opioid toxicity death rates vary across occupational sectors in Ontario, with the highest burden observed among workers in Construction & Trades and Natural Resources & Agriculture. odprn.ca/research/pub...
010
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Who’s RxReady for drug policy and research? RxReady is a FREE, self-paced, online course designed to make drug policy and research concepts accessible to anyone interested in understanding how medications are studied, regulated, funded, and used in Canada. Learn more at www.odprn.ca/RxReady
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Patient Support Programs (PSPs) are services designed to help patients access and manage their medications. Our upcoming Town Hall will explore experiences of those with long-term chronic conditions who have interacted with PSPs. 📅 August 18, 2026 🕛 12:00–1:30 PM ET Register at odprn.ca/town-halls
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
New free learning opportunity! RxReady is a free, online training course for anyone interested in learning more about drug policy, regulation, and research in Canada. Learn about drugs, drug policy, research, the role of patient partners, and real-world case examples. www.odprn.ca/RxReady
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
June data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC is now available. 🚨There were 225 suspect drug-related deaths reported in June 2026 in Ontario. Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Upcoming Town Hall: Experiences with Patient Support Programs (PSPs) in Healthcare People living with long-term chronic conditions are invited to share their experiences, perspectives, & questions about PSPs 📅 August 18, 2026 🕛 12 – 1:30 PM ET Learn more and register at odprn.ca/town-halls/ 1/3
100
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Join us for a webinar presented in partnership with the CATIE, exploring key findings on opioid toxicity death across employment sectors in Ontario. 📅 July 23, 2026 🕛 12 - 1 p.m. EDT 🔗 Register now: www.catie.ca/opioid-toxic...
catie.ca
Opioid toxicity deaths across employment sectors in Ontario
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
📰 The latest edition of ODPRN's Quarterly Newsletter is now available! Here’s what the ODPRN was up to this past Spring and what is coming up this Summer. odprn.ca/newsletters/
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Upcoming Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar Effective approaches to address unprecedented rates of death arising from the unregulated drug supply: Recent insights from British Columbia, 10 years after the declaration of a public health emergency 📅 Thursday, July 9, 2026 🕥 10:30 a.m. 📍 PB-850
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
New study shows that small changes in how benzodiazepines are prescribed can help prevent long-term use. Using shorter treatment courses, prescribing only one benzodiazepine, and choosing short-acting options were all linked to a lower risk of long-term use. Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
010
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
May data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC is now available. 🚨There were 217 suspect drug-related deaths reported in May 2026 in Ontario. Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
"Health Canada reviews that process to ensure it's aligned with good manufacturing practices." Mina Tadrous speaks with CBC News about the approval process for generic semaglutide products and the potential implications for access in Canada. www.cbc.ca/news/health/...
cbc.ca
Generic Ozempic is now on Canadian shelves. Is it the same as the brand name version? | CBC News
Some Canadian pharmacists are already stocking their shelves with generic versions of semaglutide, more commonly known by the brand name Ozempic. But will these generics be just as good, and how much ...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Registration is open for OSSU Research Day 2026. Explore how patient-oriented research is being put into action to improve health systems and outcomes. 📅 September 23, 2026 📍 MaRS Discovery District, Toronto + Virtual 💻 Free to attend Register at event.fourwaves.com/ossu2026
event.fourwaves.com
OSSU Research Day 2026
Join OSSU Research Day 2026, September 23, 2026. Learn more on Fourwaves.
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
New update to our Opioid Indicator Tool! This update includes 2025 annual data, as well as monthly/quarterly data up to December 2025. The Harm Reduction dashboard also includes data for Q1 2026. Learn more at odprn.ca/ontario-opio...
010
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
CAMH @camhnews.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
A recent study by Dr. Farihah Ali found that homeless women and gender-diverse people in Toronto are at much greater risk of fatal overdoses when compared to men. Learn more: ow.ly/eC4H50Z2ses
ow.ly
Disparities in overdose deaths: Toronto study highlights risks for homeless women and gender-diverse people
A recent study examined patterns of homelessness, shelter service use and mortality and found higher risks for women, gender-diverse people.
053
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
NEW ODPRN study on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) use among First Nation Peoples in Ontario highlights evolving treatment patterns and access to care over the past decade. Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Coverage from @citynewstoronto.bsky.social highlights ongoing discussions on supervised consumption services and funding changes in Ontario. Citing evidence from the ODPRN, the article reinforces the importance of our ongoing work to monitor these trends. toronto.citynews.ca/2026/05/31/a...
toronto.citynews.ca
Advocates rally for supervised consumption sites as funding cuts expected in weeks
Advocates, artists, community organizations, healthcare professionals and faith leaders gathered at the Metropolitan United Church on Saturday with a clear message for the Ford government: supervised ...
011
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
NEW ODPRN study found that among older adults with insulin-treated diabetes in Ontario, immigrants were less likely than long-term residents to start using publicly funded flash glucose monitoring systems despite universal coverage. Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Canada has launched the new Canadian Drug Analysis Centre (CDAC) to strengthen the fight against illegal synthetic drugs like fentanyl. New specialized labs will help detect, trace, and analyze illegal drugs. Learn more at www.canada.ca/en/health-ca...
canada.ca
New Canadian Drug Analysis Centre strengthens fight against illegal drugs
Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced the launch of the Canadian Drug Analysis Centre (CDAC). This significant investment will transform Canada’s drug testing capacity b...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
NEW ODPRN Town Hall report on the growing use of Sublocade as a treatment option for opioid use disorder. Read the report + listen to the audio clips from 4 of the individuals who shared live during the Town Hall. odprn.ca/town-halls/s...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
New study shows how geographic location and neighbourhood social and economic conditions influenced how often children and youth used urgent mental health services during the pandemic in Ontario. odprn.ca/research/pub...
odprn.ca
Geographic variation and neighbourhood correlates of mental health-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits in children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic - ODPRN
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
April data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC is now available. 🚨There were 210 suspect drug-related deaths reported in April 2026 in Ontario. Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
The ODPRN is currently seeking an epidemiologist for a 12-month temporary full time position. In this role, you will work collaboratively with other members of the ODPRN to develop research proposals and analysis plans for the research team. Learn more and apply at lnkd.in/etsMw6zK
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
New quarterly summary and census subdivision data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC for 2025 Q4 is now available. Note that the decrease in Q1&Q2 2025 reflects the continuation of a trend that began in Q3 2024. Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
"It means more choice for patients, especially those that have to pay out of pocket, especially for those that are trying to use it for weight loss ... they should have access to these treatments." - @mina-t.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/news/health/...
cbc.ca
Health Canada approves 1st generic version of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic | CBC News
Health Canada ‌​approved on Tuesday the first generic ​version of ​Danish drugmaker Novo ‌Nordisk's Ozempic drug.
000
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy @pharmacy.utoronto.ca · 17/04/2026
Prof. Tara Gomes and Associate Prof. Mina Tadrous have received a 2026 @utoronto.ca President’s Impact Award for their leadership through @odprn.bsky.social. We are proud to celebrate this recognition: www.utoronto.ca/celebrates/u...
utoronto.ca
U of T researchers recognized with 2026 President's Impact Awards
Three University of Toronto researchers and an interdisciplinary research program led by U of T scholars have been recognized with 2026 President’s Impact Awards.
001
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
New update to our Opioid Indicator Tool! This update includes data up to Q3 2025 and incorporates merged PHU data to reflect the 2025 PHU mergers. Learn more at odprn.ca/ontario-opio...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
We’re incredibly proud and grateful to be named a 2026 Laureate of the President’s Impact Award. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team, partners, and collaborators in shaping policies that impact millions of Canadians. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey!
research.utoronto.ca
President’s Impact Academy | President’s Impact Awards & Academy
Meet the laureates of the University of Toronto President's Impact Awards, designated members of the President's Impact Academy for at least 5 years.
010
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
March data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC is now available. 🚨There were 208 suspect drug-related deaths reported in March 2026 in Ontario. Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Upcoming webinar with CATIE and CanHepC will explore how recent changes are affecting harm reduction services and what can be done to support this public health response. 📅 April 20, 2026 🕐 1 to 2:30 p.m. EDT Register at www.catie.ca/harm-reducti...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
New ODPRN study found early methadone dose titration was associated with improved treatment retention and lower hazard of opioid toxicity. Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
000
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network @odprn.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
New ODPRN study finds a 3-fold increased risk of opioid toxicity when CYP3A4-inhibiting macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) are used with opioids. Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub... @icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
000