An opioid overdose alert is being issued for Northumberland County.
Officials with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit say there has been a noticeable increase in overdoses in the past seven days.
Substances and Harm Reduction Coordinator Leslie McLaughlin says the increase is troubling so an alert to inform the public has been issued.
McLaughlin says contributing factors may be that people are using drugs alone, or a contaminated or poisoned drug supply.
The HKPR health unit reminds anyone using drugs to test drugs before using, never use alone, avoid mixing drugs and to keep a naloxone kit nearby.
Naloxone is an emergency medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose until the victim can get to hospital for treatment.
The health unit has an online Opioid Overdose Report Dashboard.
| The HKPR District Health Unit reminds anyone who uses drugs (or those who know someone who does) to follow these safety tips:
· Test a small amount of drug before you use. · Never use alone. If you are alone, call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) virtual safe consumption at · Call 9-1-1 in the event of an overdose. · Avoid mixing your drugs. · Keep a naloxone kit on hand. You can get a naloxone kit at most pharmacies and needle exchange sites. The HKPR District Health Unit’s opioid overdose alert automatically flags increases in overdoses for community partners and first responders, which triggers enhanced outreach efforts and distribution of naloxone kits. Naloxone is an emergency medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose until the victim can get to hospital for treatment. Naloxone is recommended to be used in all suspected drug overdoses, due to the possibility of opioid contamination or poisoning. Naloxone kits are also available for people who use opioids, as well as their family and friends. These can be picked up at Health Unit offices, local pharmacies, and other locations. Where to get a free naloxone kit | Ontario.ca Anyone who sees a person overdosing is also urged to intervene. Call 911 and give the person naloxone. |
