The Grey-Bruce Public Health Unit has reported a third fatal overdose death in a week due to opioids.
In a release on March 19th, the GBHU reported that three fatal overdoses had occurred in the past week, all related to opioids. So far this year, there have been 8 fatal overdose deaths in Grey-Bruce. The release states that it is assumed that "fentanyl or carfentanil are involved. In one situation, a grey chalk-like product is suspected to be the cause. Other reports indicate substances of differing colours, including yellow, purple, green, and pink." There are reports stating that smoking these products can cause almost instant collapse and in many cases it proves to be fatal.
Grey-Bruce Public Health has some safety tips for those who use drugs. They include:
-Avoid using alone
-Avoid mixing different drugs
-Go slow
-Know your tolerance
-Get overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit
• Overdose is a medical emergency, so call 911 or go to the Emergency Department
The Health Unit is also reminding people that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection from simple possession charges when 911 is called for an overdose.
