Naloxone kits are available from the Grey Bruce Health Unit as well as most pharmacies and can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Anyone who is at risk of an overdose or is likely to encounter someone experiencing one is encouraged to carry a Naloxone kit.
Hub Staff
Due to a recent increase in drug overdoses, the Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) issued an Opioid Alert to system partners.
At least five overdoses within a 48 hour period earlier this month were non-fatal, and while none have been confirmed by toxicology, Fentanyl was the suspected probable opioid responsible.
In each case, Naloxone was administered. Naloxone is a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
GBHU is advising people who use drugs to always do so as safely as possible and follow harm reduction strategies, including:
• Avoid using alone and when using with someone else, avoid doing so at the same time
• If you must use alone, call the Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-6677 and avoid mixing drugs, including alcohol, as that may increase the risk of overdose
• Use smaller amounts and do test doses to check the strength of the drug
• Know your tolerance - if using after a period of not using, use less
• Get overdose prevention training and carry a Naloxone kit
Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest 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 doesn't provide protection from more serious offences such as outstanding warrants or production and trafficking of controlled substances.
Anyone who is at risk of an overdose or is likely to encounter someone experiencing an overdose is encouraged to carry a Naloxone kit.
Naloxone kits as well as safe-drug equipment is available from the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East in Owen Sound, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or through their participating sites. Call the Health Unit at 519-376-9420 for more information.
Naloxone kits are also available, without a prescription, from most pharmacies.
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 Public Health Grey Bruce's Harm Reduction page at publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Harm-Reduction or call 211.
