Grey Bruce Public Health has been notified of another suspected fatal opioid poisoning in the area – the fifth since the start of summer – that again highlights the increasing toxicity of the local unregulated drug supply and importance of following harm reduction strategies.

The suspected fatal overdose, along with three non-fatal drug poisonings, took place between Aug. 3 and 6, 2024, prompting Public Health to issue an Opioid Alert to community partners Wednesday.

Two of the overdoses, including the fatality, occurred in Owen Sound, while one took place in Hanover and another in Grey Highlands. Fentanyl is the substance believed to be responsible for one of the poisonings, while the other three involved an unknown substance.

Grey Bruce Public Health has issued 20 Opioid Alerts in the first seven months of 2024, which is more than the 16 alerts issued throughout all of 2023.

“Because of the toxicity and volatility of the local unregulated drug supply, Grey Bruce Public Health is advising people that all street drugs should be deemed potentially fatal and to exercise extreme caution before each dose,” says Monica Blair, GBPH’s Harm Reduction program manager.

Public Health encourages people who use unregulated drugs to use drug test kits in conjunction with other harm-reduction strategies. Test kits for fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and xylazine are available from Public Health and several community partners, including Safe ‘N Sound, SOS, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey-Bruce, and the South East Grey Community Health Centre.

The SOS mobile team now offers detailed drug-checking services, providing information about what substances are present in a sample and how much. The team can be reached at 519-379-8743 from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GBPH also urges people to have a sober friend with them when using drugs or to contact the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) or use/download the BRAVE App if using alone. 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. In the event the person becomes unresponsive, NORS will call 911 to ensure help arrives.

Other harm reduction recommendations include:

• Taking extra caution if mixing drugs. Mixing drugs, including with alcohol, increases the risk of harm and overdose.
• Going slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.
• Using 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.
• 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 is needed.

Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection from simple possession charges for everyone at the scene when 911 is called for an overdose.

For additional supports and services:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
• Connex Ontario: Call 1-866-531-2600 or text 247247
• Ontario Addiction Treatment Service (OATC): 519-371-0007
• Withdrawal Management/RAAM Clinic: 519-376-5666
• G&B House: 519-371-3642 ext.1580
• CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services: 519-371-3642
• Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic: 519-376-3999
• National Overdose Response Service (NORS): 1-888-688-6677
• If unsure – call 211