After an increase in suspected drug-related deaths in the region recently, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is sounding the alarm.
On Monday, March 11, 2024, public health issued an advisory saying officials were notified of an increase in suspected drug-related deaths in the region during the week of Feb. 26 to March 1, 2024.
Public health issues an advisory when there are two or more suspected drug-related deaths in one week, explained HPEPH.
“Due to the toxicity and volatility of the local supply of unregulated drugs in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, HPEPH is urging everyone who uses drugs to take steps to reduce their risk,” said officials.
Steps to reduce risks include not using drugs alone; having a plan – ask a person you trust to stay with you or check on you – starting with a small amount to see how you react, and always carrying one or more naloxone kits, added officials.
“Using drugs alone significantly increases the risk of a drug poisoning that leads to death. If using with someone else, do not use at the exact same time.”
If people are using alone, public health suggests turning to an overdose prevention service, such as the National Overdose Response Service, which is accessible by calling 1-888-688-6677 (NORS.) Through this service, an individual will stay on the line, and if a person loses consciousness, they will call for medical help, explained HPEPH.
For those who are seeking support and/or harm reduction services, HPEPH also has a dedicated “Getting Help” webpage.
The public is encouraged to recognize the signs of opioid poisonings. Naloxone kits are free and available locally at many locations, including pharmacies, officials are reminding the public.
Locations are also detailed via hpePublicHealth.ca/safer-drug-use/.
Anyone who suspects or witnesses a drug poisoning is asked to call 911. Public health is reminding residents that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses, or responds to an overdose and calls 911.
Individuals who witness drug poisonings can also report overdoses to public health via its online overdose reporting tool, which is completely anonymous.
This information is provided to public health nurses to help ensure harm reduction services are available to those who need them most, explained HPEPH.
Written by Sarah Hyatt