Grey Bruce Public Health is issuing an overdose alert to the community, after two fatalities over the past week.
The Health Unit says there were six suspected opioid overdoses reported between February 1 and 6. Two of those suspected overdoses claimed the lives of an individual in their 20s and an individual in their 40s.
Five of the overdoses, including the two fatalities, occurred in Owen Sound and one non-fatal overdose took place in neighbouring Georgian Bluffs.
“We are saddened to learn about the loss of two community members to drug poisoning," said Monica Blair, Program Manager of GBPH’s Harm Reduction Program. "This alert is intended to advise people to use extreme caution when using both prescription opioids and unregulated street drugs and follow harm reduction strategies – in particular avoiding using drugs alone or calling or texting the National Overdose Response Service if you are using drugs alone.”
Other harm reduction strategies include: taking extra caution if mixing drugs, always starting with a low dose and increasing slowly, using only new supplies, and getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit.
Naloxone is available for free at most local pharmacies and at GBPH, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., no appointment or prescription needed.
NORS, The National Overdose Response Service, 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. In the event the person becomes unresponsive, NORS will call 911 to ensure help arrives.
