With toxic and fatal drugs circulating on the streets of Ontario, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is working to identify dangerous substances.
People are being asked to report hazardous drugs through 211.
The anonymous reporting system to help share information on unexpected bad reactions to street drugs.
Anyone can call 211 and anonymously report a bad batch of drugs and unintended or unwanted effects of taking a drug, including overdose and Naloxone use.
Public Health Manage Ian Reich says people might be more comfortable with an anonymous reporting system
"Sometimes people are nervous to call the police or someone like that if they are using drugs. So by giving 211 as a number, we're hoping that fear of police showing up will be quelled," he said.
These reports are shared with local partners so they can alert people using drugs about potential hazards. The goal of this program is to create awareness of potentially deadly drugs hitting the streets.
"It's not necessarily the addiction that's killing people. It's the street drugs that are contaminated with fentanyl, which is 100 times more powerful than your standard morphine. But there's also carfentanyl, which is 100 times stronger than fentanyl itself," added Reich.
211 is a national helpline answered by 'Community Navigators' who help people find and access community, social, health and government assistance programs. It is also free to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"Report a Drug is a vital new service. Our 211 helpline is pleased to work with other community partners to help keep community members safe," stated Pam Hillier, Executive Director with 211 Central East Ontario.
