Chatham-Kent (CK) Public Health has issued an alert warning the community about an increase in drug overdoses and unexpected reactions to substances in Chatham‑Kent.
The health unit reported CK EMS responded to 13 suspected opioid overdose calls between Friday and Tuesday, exceeding the community's usual rate of opioid-related emergency calls.
"The alert comes after Windsor-Essex issued two public drug poisoning alerts over the past two weeks," CK Public Health said. "Chatham-Kent has historically seen increases in suspected drug poisonings in the weeks following similar alerts in neighbouring jurisdictions, highlighting the importance of increased community awareness and harm reduction measures at this time."
According to CK public health officials, local partners have noted increased use of naloxone, strong sedation, and concerns about a highly toxic drug supply.
"This serves as an important reminder that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing. Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death," CK Public Health added.
The September Opioid Surveillance Report stated that six people died from a suspected drug overdose in August, up from three in July.
CK Public Health advises people to take the following actions in case of an overdose:
Call 911
Give naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected (it may take more than one dose)
Do not leave the person unattended
Stay with and assist the person until paramedics arrive
If substances are used:
Try to avoid using alone, fix with a friend
If using with others, take turns spotting for each other
Have a safety plan, ask someone to check on you, leave door unlocked
Call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) Safer Consumption Hotline at 1-888-688-6677
Start low and go slow, try a test dose first
Check your drugs with test strips
Be aware of your tolerance
Try to avoid mixing drugs
Know the quality of your drugs
Ask others about what they are experiencing with the current drug supply
Click here to learn more about where you can get a free naloxone kit.
