Grey Bruce Public Health is partnering with local OPP detachments and municipal police services this holiday season to distribute potentially life-saving information on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose/poisoning.

During Festive R.I.D.E. checks this month, officers will be handing out information cards – created and supplied by Public Health – to drivers.

The cards include information on the signs of an opioid overdose and advise people to call 911, administer Naloxone (if available), and wait for emergency personnel to arrive if someone is experiencing an overdose or when an overdose is suspected.

The cards also list the names of common types of opioids and contain information on the Good Samaritan Act and where people can pick up a Naloxone kit, which can rapidly and temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.

The following police services will be distributing the information cards:

• Grey-Bruce OPP
• South Bruce OPP
• Collingwood-Blue Mountains OPP
• Owen Sound Police Service
• West Grey Police Service
• Saugeen Shores Police Service
• Hanover Police Service
• Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation Police.

“The drug toxicity and opioid crisis is a complex, multi-faceted issue that necessitates and warrants a multi-level community response,” says Monica Blair, Manager of Grey Bruce Public Health’s Harm Reduction Program.

“All levels of government, community organizations, first responders, and the general public each have a role to play to save lives, reduce opioid-related harms, and address this crisis. We are thankful that all local police services in Grey-Bruce have agreed to collaborate with Public Health to help spread opioid awareness messaging to the general public this holiday season.”