Grey Bruce Public Health has posted and shared an alert to community partners and people who use unregulated substances after receiving notification of three suspected drug poisonings, including one fatality, that took place in the area over a two-day period.

This is the 25th Opioid Alert issued by GBPH so far in 2024.

“Grey Bruce Public Health issues Opioid Alerts in response to concerning local trends related to drug poisonings or following fatal overdoses. The alerts are intended to remind people to exercise extreme caution when using unregulated street drugs and follow critical harm reduction recommendations,” says Monica Blair, Manager of GBPH’s Harm Reduction Program.

The three suspected drug poisonings each took place in Owen Sound between Nov. 24 and 25, 2024. Opioids are the substances believed to be involved in the non-fatal overdoses. The substance responsible for the fatal overdose is unknown at this time.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the individual involved in this most recent suspected fatal drug poisoning,” Blair added.

GBPH advises that all street drugs should be deemed highly toxic and potentially fatal. People who use unregulated drugs are at significant risk of overdose due to high-potency opioids being mixed with sedatives and other tranquilizers. This combination complicates overdose response and increases the risk of harm and death. 

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