Grey Bruce Public Health have reported fatal opioid overdoses in a seven day period and is appealing to people who use unregulated street drugs to exercise extreme caution and follow critical harm reduction recommendations.

Between January 20 and 27, 2023, two fatal opioid overdoses occurred in the region and while toxicology reports are still pending, fentanyl is the suspected drug responsible, said a recent media release from Public Health.

Program Manager of GBPH's Harm Reduction portfolio, Alexis Cook, said Public Health is deeply saddened to learn that two more lives had been lost to the opioid epidemic which is effecting communities, both large and small, rural and urgan, from coast to coast.

"We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of these two individuals,” Cook said.

“All street drugs should be deemed highly toxic and potentially fatal," Cook went on. "We urge everyone who uses street drugs to take extra precautions, like always carrying a naloxone kit, not mixing substances, and starting with a low dose and increasing slowly.”

Naloxone kits are available at participating pharmacies in Grey Bruce, at Grey Bruce Public Health, and through GBPH’s community partners.

The opioid poisoning epidemic is a high-priority issue for Grey Bruce Public Health, which is working with its partners to educate and support individuals, families, and communities to prevent opioid and illicit drug poisoning.

People who use drugs are at significant risk of overdose due to the local street drug supply containing the highly toxic drug Fentanyl or Carfentanil.

If an individual must use alone, Public Health advises them to call the Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-6677. An operator will stay on the line with the caller while the drug is used. In the event the caller becomes unresponsive, the Prevention Line operator will call 911 to make sure help arrives.

Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can provide protection to the person who experiences or witnesses an overdose against simple possession charges when 911 is called.

The Act can also protect from breach of conditions regarding simple possession in pre-trial release, probation orders, conditional sentences and parole.

However the Act does not provide protection from more serious offences such as outstanding warrants or production and trafficking of controlled substances.

Public Health encourages residents to get overdose prevention training and carry a Naloxone kit at all times. Naloxone kits as well as safe drug-use equipment are available at the GBHU and through their participating sites. Call the Health Unit at (519) 376-9420 for details or call 211.

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 (NORS) 1-888-688-6677

For more information, visit Grey Bruce's Harm Reduction page at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Harm-Reduction or call 211.