Grey Bruce Public Health has been notified of six suspected drug poisonings, including one fatality, over a 72-hour period, prompting Public Health to issue an Opioid Alert to community partners and the public on Dec. 2, 2024.

This is the second suspected fatal drug poisoning in just one week.

“GBPH is saddened to learn of another suspected drug-related fatality in our area. We extend our sincere condolences to those impacted by this loss,” says Monica Blair, Manager of GBPH’s Harm Reduction Program.

Public Health has now issued 26 Opioid Alerts in 2024.

The highly potent opioid fentanyl is the drug suspected in the recent fatal overdose as well as one of the non-fatal overdoses.

All six overdoses took place between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2, 2024. Locations included Owen Sound, Meaford, and Hanover.

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. 

Public Health urges people who use unregulated street drugs to practice critical harm reduction strategies, which 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