Public Health ‘ deeply concerned’ as latest opioid alert issued

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Grey Bruce Public Health has issued its seventh opioid alert in a little over a month following another string of drug poisonings, including one that was fatal. 

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The latest alert to community partners was issued by public health on July 8, after receiving notification of one fatal and three non-fatal drug poisonings in the area during the previous five days. It was the seventh time the health unit has issued such an alert since June 1. 

“We are deeply concerned about the number of substance-related poisonings reported in Grey-Bruce so far this summer,” Grey Bruce Public Health’s manager of the harm reduction program, Monica Blair, said in a news release. “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.” 

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In the first week of July there was nine reports of suspected drug poisonings spread throughout several locations in Grey-Bruce, including Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, South Bruce Peninsula and Saugeen Shores, the release said. 

Purple fentanyl is suspected in the majority of the most recent overdoses, the release said. Crack cocaine was suspected in one incident, public health said.

Those who use drugs are at a significant risk of overdose due to contamination of the local drug supply with fentanyl, sedatives and animal tranquilizers, and the health unit is advising that all street drugs should be deemed potentially fatal. 

Those who use unregulated drugs are encouraged 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. 

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The health unit urges people to have a sober friend with them when using drugs or to call or text the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) or use 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.  

Other harm reduction recommendations include: taking extra caution if mixing drugs, including with alcohol, which increases the risk of harm and overdose; always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use; using only new supplies and avoid sharing supplies as this reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infectious disease; and getting overdose prevention training and carrying a naloxone kit. Naloxone is available for free at most local pharmacies and at public health, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment or prescription is needed.

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Public health reminds everyone that overdose is a medical emergency and in the case of one call 911 or go to the emergency department. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection from simple possession charges for everyone at the scene when 911 is called for an overdose.  

Additional supports and services include: 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.

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