The number of non-fatal opioid overdoses is climbing in Grey Bruce. Today the Health Unit sent its second Opioid Alert to system partners of the week. Today's alert indicated four more non-fatal overdoses have occurred. That's on top of the four identified on Monday.
The health unit says this is in addition to an ongoing trend of multiple overdoses within Grey and Bruce this year and last. Public health reported that anecdotally, there have been at least 10 fatal overdoses to date in 2021, pending Coroner confirmation. Descriptions of the suspected substances indicate a substance that is purple in color, however, previous reports indicated substances of differing colors, grey, blue, yellow, pink, purple. Current reports also indicate the potential presence of other toxic substances mixed in the street supply.
All street drugs, regardless of color, or what they are being sold as, should be deemed highly toxic, and potentially fatal. Naloxone and safe drug use equipment is available at the Health Unit Monday to Friday from 830am-4pm, and through participating sites. Call the Health Unit for details, or call 211.
-Avoiding using alone. -When using with someone else, avoid using at the same time. -Call the OVERDOSE PREVENTION LINE at 1-888-688-6677 (NORS) if you must use alone. The service that allows users to call so that they can be safe while using alone. In the event that the user becomes unresponsive, the Prevention Line operator will call 911 . -Avoiding mixing different drugs. -Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of overdose. -Going slow. -Use smaller amounts and do test doses to check the strength of the drug. -Knowing your tolerance. -If using after a period of not using – use less. -Getting 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. -If you know of a toxic drug, please report it by calling 211, using the report a drug system.
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
