Grey Bruce Public Health has issued its 24th Opioid Alert of 2024 after receiving notification of a suspected fatal opioid-related poisoning.

The suspected overdose occurred in Owen Sound on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Fentanyl is the substance believed to be responsible for the overdose.

“On behalf of Grey Bruce Public Health, I would like to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the person who lost their life in this latest drug poisoning,” says Monica Blair, Manager of GBPH’s Harm Reduction Program.

GBPH has now issued 24 Opioid Alerts to community and health partners since Jan. 1, 2024. Eighteen Opioid Alerts were issued in Grey-Bruce in all of 2023.

In addition to the fatal overdose, Public Health was also notified of a non-fatal suspected opioid-related poisoning that took place on Oct. 27, 2024. That overdose also took place in Owen Sound, with the involved substance believed to be fentanyl.

“Grey Bruce Public Health urges everyone who uses unregulated drugs to exercise extreme caution and always practice harm reduction strategies,” Blair added.

Harm reduction strategies include:

• Not using alone. GBPH 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.
• 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.

GBPH 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.

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