Lambton EMS has seen a dramatic increase in the number of opioid-related overdose calls.
An epidemiologist with Lambton Public Health, Crystal Palleschi, said paramedics responded to a total of 182 opioid overdose-related calls in 2019, up from 69 the year before. Local emergency departments also saw an increase in opioid-related visits, 155 last year compared to 117 in 2018.
Palleschi said the numbers show the continued need for a local drug and alcohol strategy.
She said over 500 people submitted a partial or complete response to an online survey about how drug and/or alcohol use affected their lives.
"Stakeholders will be meeting soon about the drug and alcohol strategy to discuss the results of the community consultation," said Palleschi. "They're going to be finalizing a strategy and create an action plan."
There were 15 confirmed opioid overdose deaths in Sarnia-Lambton from January to June last year. That's up from 13 in all of 2018.
A local delegation will meet with Ontario's health minister March 12 to discuss long-awaited provincial support for a Sarnia-Lambton withdrawal management centre.
