Grand Erie Public Health extends drug alert after spike in overdoses

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is extending a community drug alert after a continued increase in drug-related emergency department visits across the region.

Between Aug. 22 and Sept. 3, there were 51 emergency department visits in Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk.

In August, seven suspected drug-related deaths were reported across the region.

Many of the recent incidents and emergency department visits involved opioids or medetomidine.

Unexpected substances, including non-opioid drugs and drugs of unknown potency, can be included in the unregulated drug supply.

Evidence from across Ontario suggests that contamination of the unregulated drug supply continues to contribute to high rates of overdose.

GEPH urges people to use caution when taking any drug that has not been prescribed to them.

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Anyone who is new to drug use may be at greater risk as unregulated drugs can have unpredictable potency and contain dangerous contaminants.

Test strips are available through SOAR Community Services, the Positive Health Network Van and the DROP to help identify contaminants such as fentanyl and medetomidine in unregulated drugs.

If someone suspects an overdose, it is best to call 911 immediately and give naloxone if available, even if the person did not intend to use opioids.

Naloxone temporarily reverses overdoses caused by opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, methadone and morphine and non-opioid drugs contaminated with opioids. It will not harm someone who has not used opioids.

To reduce the risk of an overdose, GEPH is advising people to never use alone, take small test doses, stick to trusted suppliers and always carry naloxone.

For more information about opioids, visit the GEPH website.

READ MORE: Brant County health authority warns of spike in opioid-related drug poisonings