A group of Windsor-Essex agencies has issued an alert after a rise in drug-related visits to area emergency departments.
The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) reported on Tuesday that 22 opioid-related emergency department visits were reported between June 30 and July 6.
Of those cases, 17 involved fentanyl.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit tracks the number of overdoses in partnership with dozens of groups, including Windsor police, LaSalle police, the OPP, Windsor Regional Hospital, Erie Shores Healthcare, Essex-Windsor EMS, and others.
WECOSS has provided safety tips for those who use opioids, including a suggestion not to use alone, and not at the same time as someone they may be with. Users should not mix substances, and if something does not feel right, call 911 immediately.
Complete information on how to handle overdoses can be found on the official WECOSS website.