The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says they have detected a spike in overdoses across Leeds, Grenville and Lanark over the past week.
The health unit detected the spike through the overdose early warning and surveillance system.
The Health Unit and their community partners warn that substances in the area continue to be toxic and that many (like cocaine and crystal meth) continue to be contaminated with opioids including fentanyl.
The Health Unit encourages people who use substances to take extreme caution and to reach out to harm reduction services for single-use equipment, naloxone and further access to services and referrals.
The health unit encourages these safer use practices to reduce the number of overdoses:
- Carry a naloxone kit
- Call 9-1-1 in the event of an overdose
- Avoid mixing substances
- Use a small test dose first
- Do not use alone
An overdose is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 9-1-1. Some legal protection against simple drug charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses or responds to an overdose and calls 9-1-1 is provided by the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
Harm reduction supplies, including naloxone kits, are offered throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found on the health unit’s website here.