Public Health has put out an alert about a recent number of opioid overdoses.
Last week there were at least four reported opioid overdoses in Owen Sound.
The health unit says There were no fatalities reported
They warn street drugs may have the highly toxic drug Fentanyl and/or Carfentanil and notes People must assume that any and all drugs purchased on the street contain Fentanyl or Carfentanil.
Public Health urges 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 calling 911 for an overdose.
The Health Unit 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 Overdose Prevention Line operator will call 911 to make sure that help arrives.
If you know of a toxic drug, they ask you to report it by calling 211. The operator will fill out a form and it will then go to Public Health to alert the community.
Naloxone and safe drug use equipment is available at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm, and through our participating sites. Call the Health Unit for details, or call 211.
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