Grey Bruce Health Unit building in Owen Sound. 28 April 2017. (Photo via Grey Bruce Public Health Facebook page)Grey Bruce Health Unit building in Owen Sound. 28 April 2017. (Photo via Grey Bruce Public Health Facebook page)
Midwestern

GBPH reports three suspected drug poisonings

Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) has issued an alert after a series of similar overdoses were reported Thursday.

According to a Facebook post, the health unit was notified of three similar drug poisonings, all in the Kincardine area.

"The individuals believed they were using cocaine, but became unresponsive and required Naloxone," read the post.

No information was given on the patients' conditions.

The health unit has used this set of overdoses to warn people to exercise caution if using, by suggesting the following.

  • Take extra caution if mixing drugs. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of harm and overdose.

  • Go slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.

  • Use only new supplies and avoid sharing supplies. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infectious disease. Supplies are available at GBPH and community partners.

Users are also urged not to partake alone when possible. The National Overdose Response Service (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, and call 911 should the person become unresponsive.

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