An alarming spike in drug overdoses in the region has prompted an advisory from Lambton Public Health.
Public officials are not yet able to confirm three suspected overdose deaths in the last week in Sarnia-Lambton.
Over two days, the Middlesex -London Health Unit reported 16 suspected overdoses while in Woodstock and Ingersoll, there were nine overdoses reported and one death.
Sarnia police Vice Unit Sgt. John Pearce said fentanyl continues to be a growing problem among drug users.
"If you do use fentanyl and you're an addict, we suggest you make sure that if you're getting high that you always have somebody sober with you," said Pearce. "If somebody does overdose on fentanyl, they're going to need to be administered NARCAN. If you've overdosed, you're not going to be in a position to administer NARCAN to yourself."
Family Health Supervisor Rhonda Galler said free naloxone kits are available at local pharmacies and through Lambton Public Health.
"We do have a lot of information from clients coming into the health unit stating that they're using their NARCAN on a regular basis and that the NARCAN is saving lives," said Galler.
The health unit's March Opioid Surveillance Bulletin says since the beginning of the year, they've distributed 286 kits.
Drug users are reminded the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects them from simple possession charges, so there's no reason not to report an overdose or call 911.
