NOTE: Following the lead of front-line health care professionals like the staff of Toronto's Street Health - and particulary noting the words of B.C.'s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe - we will be trying to change our language on the Owen Sound Hub from "overdose" (which suggests the victim used too much of a drug) to "drug poisoning" which more clearly describes the much more common situation of a contaminated, toxic supply of drugs that can be fatal, or near-fatal, in any dose without intervention. Language matters.
At least five drug poisonings within a 48-hour period have prompted the Grey Bruce Health Unit to issue an Opioid Alert to system partners.
Fentanyl is the suspected or probable opioid responsible for the drug poisonings, which were all non-fatal. None have been confirmed by toxicology.
Naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid, was administered in each case.
Since Public Health issued the alert Friday, there has been at least one additional local drug poisoning.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit wishes to advise the public that all street drugs should be deemed highly toxic and FATAL.
We urge people who use drugs to do so as safely as possible by following basic Harm Reduction strategies, such as:
Avoiding using alone.
o When using with someone else, avoid using at the same time;
Call the OVERDOSE PREVENTION LINE at 1-888-688-6677 (NORS) if you must use alone;
Avoiding mixing different drugs. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk;
Going slow. Use smaller amounts and do test doses to check the strength of the drug;
Knowing your tolerance. If using after a period of not using – use less;
Getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit.
Drug poisoning 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.
Naloxone and safe drug-use equipment are available at the Grey Bruce Health Unit Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and through our participating sites. Call the Health Unit 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
https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Harm-Reduction
If unsure – call 211
source: GBHU
