Grey Bruce Public Health is alerting the community after six overdoses were reported between February 1st and 6th.
Two of those overdoses resulted in deaths. The first claimed the life of a person in their 40s, the second was a person in their 20s.
Monica Blair, the Program Manager for Harm Reduction at Grey Bruce Public Health says that the health unit says that
Grey Bruce Public Health says that five of the overdoses happened in Owen Sound, and one in Georgian Bluffs.
She says that the circumstances that led to these aren’t known for sure. Grey Bruce Public Health hasn’t found an indication overdoses like these were caused by something in the local drug supply, or if it was because those affected were using alone.
Blair says that above all else, “[We’re] trying to get the word out so people are more aware. Ideally, when people use drugs they will have Naloxone kits handy.”
Naloxone kits are available throughout the community, including at most pharmacies, as well as at Grey Bruce Public Health during their regular business hours, from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
“Training can be done in under five minutes. It’s a very safe medication. It cannot be misused and cannot be given in error. It cannot be given in error, and won’t cause any harm to someone if [opioid overdose] isn’t the issue. Get Naloxone kits. Get Naloxone kits out into the community so that everybody has them and can jump into action if needed.”
Blair says that it’s also crucial that if you’re helping someone who is experiencing an overdose to call 911. “Overdose is a medical emergency, so calling 911 and getting Emergency Services there is also important.”
She says that other than being prepared, another good preventative measure when using drugs is to not use alone. If you can’t have someone to watch over you when using drugs, there is at least one organization that is there to help.
“If they have to use alone, we encourage people to call or text the National Overdose Response Service,” says Blair, which is an organization that people can call an operator who will stay on the line with a caller while they use. “In the event the person [using] becomes unresponsive, [NORS] will call 911 to ensure that help arrives.”
Other harm reduction recommendations include:
– Take extra caution if mixing drugs. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of harm and overdose.
– Go slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.
– Use 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.
Other resources:
- National Overdose Response Service: 1-888-688-6677
- Mental Health Crisis Line Grey Bruce: 1-866-531-2600 or text 247247
- CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services: 519-371-3642