Grey Bruce Public Health issues opioid alert

Grey Bruce Public Health warns that all street drugs should be deemed potentially fatal after another death in the region.

Public Health has issued an Opioid Alert for the seventh time since the beginning of June. This after health officials were notified about one fatal and three non-fatal drug poisonings in the area over the past five days.

“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 Grey Bruce Public Health. “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. These strategies can and do save lives.”

These incidents have taken place in several locations in Grey-Bruce, including Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, South Bruce Peninsula, and Saugeen Shores.

There have been nine reports of suspected drug poisonings so far in July.

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.

Public Health encourages 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, SOS, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey-Bruce, and the South East Grey Community Health Centre.

It’s also a good idea to have a sober friend with you when using drugs. Other options include a call or text to the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) or use/download the BRAVE App if using alone. NORS can be reached by calling or texting 1-888-688-6677. 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.

Public health offers several tips for safer drug use including: taking extra caution if mixing drugs, going slow, using only new supplies and avoiding sharing supplies, and getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit.

Naloxone is available for free at most local pharmacies and at GBPH, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment or prescription is needed.

The Health Unit reminds everyone that overdose is a medical emergency. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection from simple possession charges for everyone at the scene when 911 is called for an overdose.

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