Alarming spike in overdoses as public health reports 14 cases in 3 days
There have been more than a dozen overdoses in the Owen Sound area during a three-day span.
Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is reporting an alarming spike in recent drug poisonings, highlighting concerns about the toxicity of the local unregulated drug supply.
Fourteen overdoses, including one fatal overdose, were reported in Grey-Bruce from Friday to Sunday.
Ten of the 14 overdoses occurred in Owen Sound, with the ages of those involved ranging widely.
Fentanyl is the drug suspected in nearly all of the overdoses. There have been many reports of individuals believing they were taking cocaine or methamphetamine but were unknowingly taking fentanyl.
Naloxone was used successfully as an intervention in nine of the non-fatal overdoses.
"We are deeply concerned about the high number of drug poisonings that took place over the weekend," said Dr. Rim Zayed, a GBPH physician consultant.
"This is a drug toxicity issue whereby people are using drugs that have been unknowingly cut or mixed with fentanyl or other toxic substances. We're seeing evidence of an increasingly toxic drug supply across the country, an issue that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic," Zayed said.
All unregulated street drugs should be deemed highly toxic and potentially fatal because some of the substances mixed with unregulated street drugs do not respond to the life-saving effects of Naloxone, he said.
Recognizing that it is a potentially life-or-death issue, the health unit is making its drug overdose messaging more intentional and relevant to specific audiences.
In response to the recent drug poisonings, Public Health and its partners have been undertaking outreach efforts in locations of concern to identify risk factors. Their goal is to educate people who use drugs, and their loved ones, about the toxicity of the local supply and harm reduction strategies.
Addictions, mental health and other supports are part of the integrated care provided by Supportive Outreach Service (SOS), set up at the Owen Sound Farmers' Market every other Wednesday. SOS is located at the Hanover Civic Centre on alternating Wednesdays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
People who use drugs should never use alone and always carry a Naloxone kit. There is a high risk of overdose when the user is unaware of the substance they are using, and suppliers are unaware of the ingredients. People who use drugs need to consult with SOS and reach out for help.
If it is not possible to use it with someone else present, call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-6677. A NORS operator will stay on the line while the drug is being used. If the caller becomes unresponsive, the operator will call 911.
The health unit advises people who use drugs to:
- Go Slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.
- Take extra caution if mixing substances. Mixing substances can increase the risk of harm and drug poisoning.
- Use only new supplies. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on infectious diseases.
Supplies are available at GBPH and community partners.
Free naloxone kits are available at participating pharmacies in Grey-Bruce, Grey Bruce Public Health, and via GBPH's community partners.
Overdose 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 for an overdose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.