Consumption & Treatment Services: Frontline Heroes 

Today, we honour the work of those on the frontlines of the overdose crisis here in Kingston. Meet Matthew Larsh and Joshua Cochrane, two overdose prevention support workers with Consumption Treatment Services (CTS) who are dedicated to saving lives and offering hope through their work at Kingston’s Integrated Care Hub.  

Josh, who has spent three years as an overdose prevention worker at CTS, describes his role as one of relentless support and compassion, where daily duties can range from engaging in heartfelt conversations to delivering babies.  

“It can go from 0-100 around here,” Cochrane notes, recounting months where he has witnessed up to 14 overdoses in a single day. “Here, people don’t get left for dead; they get life breathed back into them. It’s a privilege to support those choosing life and a future.” 

Matthew Larsh, who brings a personal perspective to his role due to his own history with addiction, offers another layer of insight.  

“People believe that (those who use drugs) don’t care about themselves or their families but they do! Once you try these drugs, they take you. Drugs don’t discriminate; people do.” 

Matt adds that many people end up in these complex situations due to systemic failures and the toxic drug supply. “Everything shows up for people here other than a roof over their head,” Matt says. “If they had that opportunity, change could occur. A structured environment is key.” 

If you want to learn more about the work of our team at CTS, visit our website at: Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) – Kingston Community Health Centres