Grey Bruce Public Health has issued yet another opioid alert, the 24th alert this year, following a suspected fatal drug poisoning.
The latest incident occurred in Owen Sound on October 28. GBPH officials believe that fentanyl is the substance belived to be responsible for the fatality.
GBPH also learned of another non-fatal drug poisoning that also occurred in Owen Sound on October 27. Fentanyl was again the substance believed to have caused the overdose.
With this being the 24th opioid alert this year, GBPH officials continue to stress caution to those using illicit street drugs. Health officials issued just 18 such opioid alerts in all of 2023.
Harm reduction strategies for users of illicit drugs include not using alone, taking extra caution when mixing substances, only using new supplies and not sharing them, getting overdose training, and having a Naloxone kit present.
"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 for everyone at the scene when 911 is called for an overdose," GBPH said in a media release.
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.
The SOS mobile team now offers detailed drug-checking services, providing information about what substances are present in a sample and how much. The team can be reached at 519-379-8743 from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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