Naloxone kits are available for free at most local pharmacies and at Grey Bruce Public Health, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no appointment or prescription needed.

Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is once again issuing an Opioid Alert to community partners after receiving notification of one fatal and three non-fatal drug poisonings in the area in a five day period.

This is the seventh such alert for the region since June 1, 2024, said a July 8 media release.

“We are deeply concerned about the number of substance-related poisonings reported in Grey-Bruce so far this summer," said Monica Blair, Manager of the Harm Reduction Program at GBPH. "Our goal in issuing Opioid Alerts is to both warn people who use substances about the potential toxicity of the local drug supply and to remind them to follow critical harm reduction strategies," Blair said, adding that these strategies can and do save lives.

There have been nine reports of suspected drug poisonings so far this month with the incidents taking place in several locations across Grey Bruce, including Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, South Bruce Peninsula, and Saugeen Shores.

Purple fentanyl is the substance suspected in the majority of the most recent overdoses.

"People who use drugs are at significant risk of overdose due to contamination of the local drug supply with fentanyl, sedatives, and animal tranquilizers," read the release. "Public Health advises that all street drugs should be deemed potentially fatal."

Public Health is encouraging people who use unregulated drugs to use drug test kits in conjunction with other harm reduction strategies. Test kits for fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and xylazine are available from Public Health and several community partners including:

Safe ‘N Sound, 310 8th Street East in Owen Sound
Supportive Outreach Services (phone 519-379-8743 Mon-Fri between 8:30am and 6pm)
Canadian Mental Health Association Grey-Bruce, 1024 2nd Avenue East in Owen Sound
South East Grey Community Health Centre, 55 Victoria Avenue, Markdale

If possible, GBPH urges people to have a sober friend with them when using drugs. If using alone, users can call or text the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) or use/download the BRAVE App.

NORS can be reached by calling or texting 1-888-688-6677, whereby a NORS operator will stay on the line with the person while the drug is used. In the event the person becomes unresponsive, NORS will call 911 to ensure help arrives.

Other harm reduction recommendations include:
Taking extra caution if mixing drugs. Mixing drugs, including with alcohol, increases the risk of harm and overdose.
Going slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.
Using only new supplies and avoid sharing supplies. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infectious disease. Supplies are available at GBPH and community partners.
Getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit. Naloxone is available for free at most local pharmacies and at GBPH, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm. No appointment or prescription is needed.

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

For additional supports and services:

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
Connex Ontario: Call 1-866-531-2600 or text 247247
Ontario Addiction Treatment Service (OATC): 519-371-0007
Withdrawal Management/RAAM Clinic: 519-376-5666
G&B House: 519-371-3642 ext.1580
CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services: 519-371-3642
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic: 519-376-3999
National Overdose Response Service (NORS): 1-888-688-6677
If unsure – call 211