Naloxone kits will be available within Oro-Medonte facilities open to the public.
Councillor Shawn Scott made the recommendation a couple of weeks ago in regards to the ongoing opioid crisis and the idea was unanimously supported.
Naloxone hydrochloride is a fast-acting drug often delivered by a nasal spray used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drug overdoses or poisoning. Opioids are a group of drugs that includes morphine, heroin, methadone, fentanyl and oxycodone.
In 2019, initiated by Councillor Scott, Oro-Medonte Council was provided with video training regarding administration of naloxone hydrochloride, and encouraged to have access to naloxone kits. Taking into consideration the consistent increase of opioid related medical emergencies in Simcoe County, inclusive of two cities, Township Council unanimously supported availability of naloxone kits in Township facilities open to the public, complemented by a social media campaign, and information on the Township’s website.
Each Township facility open to the public will have two (2) naloxone kits, providing four (4) doses of naloxone hydrochloride.
Councillor Shawn Scott commented that “in the past, an overdose was attributed to excessive drug use, but with the availability of fentanyl, it has become drug poisoning. The stigma of overdoses being directly related to societal perception of a drug addict, continues to hamper the ability to help people impacted by the devastation of opioid misuse and addiction – these people can be our children, brothers, sisters, friends and parents.”
Craighurst Guardian Pharmacy located at 2054 Horseshoe Valley Road West has offered its assistance to supply interested community members with naloxone kits, and education regarding naloxone hydrochloride.
Mayor Harry Hughes commented that “Council recognizes the serious and significant health impacts of excessive opioid use. We are taking proactive steps to ensure availability of naloxone kits in Township facilities open to the public.”
Members of the public are reminded to call 911 in the event of a medical emergency and are encouraged to learn more about naloxone hydrochloride and naloxone kits, offered free of charge at many Ontario pharmacies, by clicking here.