Public Health Grey Bruce says over the past five days, there have been at least five reported opioid overdoses.
They say these included two fatalities, pending coroner confirmation, and several other overdoses of a critical nature.
The health unit says These incidents happened in Owen Sound as well as smaller rural centres.
In one instance, the use Naloxone was unable to reverse the overdose.
The health unit says People must assume that any and all street drugs contain Fentanyl or Carfentanil which is 100 X stronger than fentanyl).
The Health Unit it urging people who use drugs to do so as safely as possible by following some Harm Reduction strategies:
Avoid using alone.
When using with someone else, avoid using at the same time.
Call the OVERDOSE PREVENTION LINE at 1-888-853-8542 if you must use alone
Avoid mixing different drugs.
Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of overdose.
Go slow.
Use smaller amounts and do test doses to check the strength of the drug.
Know your tolerance.
If using after a period of not using – use less.
Get overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit.
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.
Public Health says the Overdose prevention line is a vital phone service for people that are using drugs alone. It is a service that allows users to call so that they can be safe while using alone.
An operator will stay on the line with the user while the drug is used. In the event that the user becomes unresponsive, the Prevention Line operator will call 911 to make sure that help arrives For additional Addiction Services:
ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600
Withdrawal Management/RAAM Clinic (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine =
Clinic) 519-376-5666
G&B House 519-376-9495
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
Overdose Prevention Line: 1-888-853-8542
https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Harm-Reduction
If unsure – call 211