The Grey Bruce Health Unit is warning of the dangers of using and overdosing on drugs alone following multiple recent deaths.
Grey and Bruce have experienced multiple overdose deaths over the last three months, and health officials are trying to send a message to encourage drug users to be safer.
Drug users can reduce their risk of death by not using alone, not using at the same time as others so someone can react to an overdose, have Naloxone on hand, start with a small dose and understand that overdoses are medical emergencies.
If using alone is unavoidable, you can call the toll free Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-853-8542, and an operator will stay on the line and wait for a response after the use of drugs. They can call 911 if the caller doesn't respond.
"Overdose is a medical emergency, so if someone overdoses, it is important to call 911," said Ian Reich, Harm Reduction Manager for the Grey Bruce Health Unit. "Unfortunately, we recognize fewer people are calling 911 as a result of an overdose. We urge everyone to please call 911 if you or someone you see is potentially suffering for any medical emergency."
On Thursday, the Grey Bruce Health Unit and Owen Sound Police teamed up to hand out information on safer drug use as well as Naloxone kits on Thursday.
Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
The Mobile Mental Health and Addiction Response Team is made up of an officer and a worker from the Canadian Mental Health Association to also share information.
That includes points about "The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act."
It provides some legal protections for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose, reducing fear of police attending overdose events and encourage people to help save a life.
On Tuesday, police and paramedics were at the scene of a sudden death incident in Owen Sound, suspected to be a drug-related overdose.
The mobile addiction response is part of an ongoing strategy to reduce tragic outcomes that can result from the abuse of toxic Opioid narcotics including Fentanyl.
-With files from Steve Sabourin
