Naloxone kits are available at participating pharmacies in Grey Bruce, from Grey Bruce Public Health and through GBPH's community partners.
Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is once again urging people to exercise extreme caution when using unregulated street drugs following recent reports of suspected opioid overdoses.
In a June 23 media release, over a six-day period GBPH received reports of four suspected overdoses, one of which was fatal. An individual in their 50s died June 21, 2023 of a suspected fentanyl overdose.
The fatal and non-fatal overdoses occurred between June 16 and June 21, 2023 and all within the Owen Sound area.
"All unregulated street drugs carry a high risk of toxicity, posing a potential threat to life," read the release. "These drugs may be unknowingly adulterated or mixed with hazardous substances, such as fentanyl or carfentanil," the release said, adding that both fentanyl and carfentanil lack odour and taste.
"Even a minuscule amount of fentanyl or carfentanil can have lethal consequences," read the release.
“In order to prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals, it is crucial to address the significant risks associated with the use of unregulated substances, which can lead to drug poisoning due to the inherent toxicity of the local drug supply,” said Dr Rim Zayed, Physician Consultant at GBPH.
“We urge individuals who engage in the consumption of street drugs to exercise utmost caution and take proactive measures to ensure their awareness of the substances they are consuming. This includes being well-informed about the type, dosage, and origin of the substances," Zayed added.
GBPH also emphasized that drug toxicity can affect individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their age, gender, or prior history of drug use. The risks associated with unregulated substances transcend demographic boundaries and should be approached with utmost care and concern.
People who use drugs should never use alone and always carry a naloxone kit. If it’s not possible to use with someone present, call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. A NORS operator will stay on the line while the drug is being used. In the event the caller becomes unresponsive, the operator will call 911.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a drug poisoning, administer naloxone. This may improve breathing, but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.
Free naloxone kits are available at participating pharmacies in Grey and Bruce counties, from Grey Bruce Public Health, and through GBPH’s community partners.
Public Health advises people who use drugs to:
Go Slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.
Take extra caution if mixing substances. Mixing substances can increase the risk of harm and drug poisonings.
Use only new supplies. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infectious disease. Supplies are available at GBPH and community partners.
Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection from simple possession charges when 911 is called for an overdose. However the Act does not provide protection from more serious offences such as outstanding warrants or production and trafficking of controlled substances.
GBPH urges community partners and the public to report unexpected bad reactions to non-prescribed drugs. Reports can be made over the phone by calling 211 or online using the 211 Report a Bad Drug web form. Reporting drug overdoses and poisonings enables Grey Bruce Public Health to issue timely alerts to its partners and people who use drugs about potential hazards.
For additional addiction services:
ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600
Withdrawal Management/Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic 519-376-3999
G&B House 519-371-3642 ext. 1580
Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre 519-371-0007
CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services 519-371-3642
Mental Health Crisis Line Grey Bruce 1-877-470-5200
If unsure, call 211.
