Grey Bruce Public Health has issued another Opioid Alert following two fatal overdoses in the past week.
"We are saddened by the loss of two community members to suspected drug poisoning," said Monica Blair, Manager of the Harm Reduction Program at Grey Bruce Public Health. "We are thinking of the individuals’ family members and friends during this difficult time. We encourage people who use unregulated substances to use harm reduction strategies to lower the risk of overdose and death."
The Health Unit also reported two non-fatal overdoses over the past seven days. That brought the total number of suspected drug poisonings reported in July to 26.
According to GBPH, three of the latest cases occurred in Owen Sound and one case occurred in Meaford. Fentanyl is the suspected substance in three cases, including one fatality. The drug was administered by smoking for all the cases.
Across July, overdoses were also reported in Georgian Bluffs, South Bruce Peninsula, Saugeen Shores, Southgate, and Hanover.
The Health Unit said those who use drugs are at significant risk of overdose due to contamination of the local drug supply with fentanyl, sedatives, and animal tranquilizers. All street drugs should be deemed potentially fatal and its recommended that those who use them should 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.
GBPH also urges people to have a sober friend with them when using drugs or to call or text the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-6677.
People can also download the BRAVE App if using alone.
