West: Funding needed immediately to prevent more deaths from opioid overdoses in Sudbury

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Jamie West (Sudbury) stood in the legislature Thursday to ask the government to immediately increase funding for health services in Sudbury.

“Sudburians are suffering,” said West during question period at the Ontario legislature. “Family members are mourning and local health resources are overwhelmed.”

West met with Denise Sandul and two of her daughters last week. In early September, Denise lost her son, Myles Keaney, to an opioid overdose. Myles was a 22-year-old athlete who loved Jo Mac Football. He tried to get help with his addiction – several times – but none was available.

“The family honoured the life of Myles by placing a cross for him in downtown Sudbury. I walked with Denise and two of her daughters to visit Myles’ memorial cross. In September, Myles cross was alone. When we visited last week, there were 20 crosses. Today there are 33, and there will be 51 crosses by this weekend,” said West.

His death is one of the many opioid related deaths happening more frequently across the province and in the north. According to the Chief Coroner’s Office, 50-80 people per week are dying of overdoses across Ontario. Death rates in the north are almost double what they are in southern Ontario.

“Will the premier commit to immediate increased funding to help Sudburians like Denise and her family?,” asked West on Thursday in the legislature.