FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, March 13, 2026 |10:00 a.m. | Windsor-Essex County
The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) has released a new 2026–2030 Action Plan to address the growing challenges of substance use in the region. This announcement comes just days after an urgent meeting of WECOSS partners was held in response to a high number of recent overdoses in Windsor‑Essex County. The meeting highlighted the need for stronger coordination, faster action, and more support for people and families affected by substance use, which ties directly into the new Action Plan.
WECOSS began in 2018 and brings together partners from many sectors including public health, healthcare, harm‑reduction workers, emergency services, mental health and addiction supports, Indigenous health organizations, social services, local government, and people with lived and living experience. Together, these partners have created programs and services such as WEC Connect, the Opioid and Substance Use Notification System, expanded naloxone access, and led overdose prevention training.
The new Action Plan builds on this work and responds to what partners and community members say is needed most right now: focused efforts in Prevention and Education, and Harm Reduction.
“Over the years, WECOSS has evolved into a truly community-driven strategy—one that brings partners together and elevates the voices of those with lived and living experience. This new Action Plan builds on that progress and is guided by key foundations that help ensure our work remains coordinated, evidence‑informed, and centered on the needs of our community.” said Eric Nadalin, Director of Public Health Programs at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, and Co‑chair of WECOSS
The plan includes expanded prevention and education efforts for youth, new supports for parents, and training to help adults who work with young people. Harm reduction projects aim to improve access to services across Windsor‑Essex, reduce stigma, and create more opportunities for people with lived experience to guide programs and share their knowledge.
“This plan shows what can happen when a community works together. People from many backgrounds shared their ideas to build a plan that is caring, fair, and focused on helping everyone in our community feel safe, supported, and able to get help when they need it.” said Nicole Sbrocca, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor‑Essex County Branch, and Co‑chair of WECOSS.
The new Action Plan serves as a roadmap for the next four years as WECOSS partners continue to work together to prevent substance‑related harms, support people and families, and respond quickly to emerging issues like the recent surge in overdoses. To learn more about the WECOSS and the 2026 – 2030 Action Plan, please visit wecoss.ca.