Grey Bruce’s public health manager of harm reduction says opioids are creating a “scary situation” in the region right now.
Monica Blair says Public Health issued another opioid alert this week after eight drug poisonings were reported over a seven day period.
“I think that our main concern right now is really just getting awareness out there so that people know to be extra cautious, to use those harm reduction strategies,” says Blair.
The alert says five of the recent eight suspected overdoses occurred over the weekend alone. The majority were in Owen Sound. One person died.
“Fentanyl is the substance believed to be responsible for four of the eight drug poisonings. While the substance involved in the fatal overdose has not yet been confirmed, yellow and purple fentanyl were both found at the scene,” says the alert.
While overall overdose numbers for the region have been on par with last year, Public Health has issued 22 opioid alerts so far this year, exceeding the 18 issued throughout 2023.
“It’s anyone’s guess if this is going to continue this way or not. Hopefully by getting the message out, we can halt it or slow it down,” says Blair.
She wants users to remember they don’t always know what is in the drugs they take.
“The most important thing to do is not use alone, have someone who is not using with you incase you need help, or connect with one of the organizations that can stay online with you or on the phone with you while using incase you need help. We also have drug test kits, take-home drug test kits available now so that people can test their drugs if they chose before using them,” says Blair.