Grey Bruce Public Health has issued an opioid overdose alert after five drug poisonings were reported over the weekend, including one that was fatal.
Public Health says its the sixth time this summer its been notified of a fatal opioid poisoning in Grey-Bruce.
The overdoses took place between August 23 and 25, with three occurring in Owen Sound and two in Walkerton.
GBPH said the substance suspected in the fatality is not yet known, but fentanyl is believed to be responsible for one of the non-fatal overdoses, while a brown crystal-like substance is suspected in another.
The latest alert marks the 21st of its kind issued by Public Health in 2024. Only 18 alerts were issued across all of 2023.
"This latest series of local drug poisonings once again highlights the increasing toxicity and volatility of the unregulated drug supply in Grey-Bruce and how important it is for people who use illicit drugs to follow harm-reduction strategies before each dose," read a statement from the Health Unit.
Those that use unregulated drugs are encouraged to use test kits provided by groups like Safe ‘N Sound, SOS, CMHA Grey-Bruce, and the South East Grey Community Health Centre.
People who consume drugs are also encouraged never to do so on their own, and if a sober friend isn't around, call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.