Dr. Tara Gomes recently spoke with The Canadian Press about her new study that found that the most rapid spike in overdose deaths during the pandemic was within shelters. The report takes a closer look at the demographics of this group. “There’s a real concern that some of the policies that have existed within shelters, and the fear that people have of being kicked out of a shelter if their substance use is noted, is leading to people using drugs alone. And that’s increasing the risk of death,” says Dr. Gomes.