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Gray Bruce Public Health issued an opioid alert to the community and healthcare partners on Friday after receiving reports of one suspected fatal drug poisoning and two non-fatal drug poisonings.
occurred in the region over the past three days.
The death occurred in the town of Blue Mountains, while the two non-fatal poisonings occurred in Owen Sound.

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“Grey Bruce Public Health extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost their life,” said Monica Blair, Director of the Harm Department at GBPH.
Discount program in a press release dated October 11. “We continue to implore people who use uncontrolled drugs to implement harm reduction strategies before each dose. »

Fentanyl is the substance suspected in both non-fatal overdoses. The substance involved in the death is unknown at this time.

GBPH has now issued 23 opioid alerts to its partners in 2024, more than the 18 alerts issued throughout 2023.

GBPH encourages people who use unregulated drugs to use drug testing kits in conjunction with other harm reduction strategies. Fentanyl test kits,
Benzodiazepines and xylazine are available from Public Health and several community partners, including Safe ‘N Sound, SOS, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey-Bruce and South East Gray Community Health Centre.

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The SOS mobile team now offers detailed drug testing services, providing information on what substances are present in a sample and in what quantity. The team can be
reached at 519-379-8743 Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GBPH also urges people to have a sober friend with them when using drugs or to contact the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) or use/download BRAVE.
Application if you use it alone. NORS can be contacted by calling or texting 1-888-688-6677. A NORS operator will remain on the line with the person while the medication is being used. In the case
the person becomes unresponsive, NORS will call 911 to ensure help arrives.

Other harm reduction recommendations include:
• Be especially careful if you mix medications. Mixing drugs, including with alcohol, increases the risk of harm and overdose.
• Go slowly. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if you are trying something new or starting use again.
• Use only new supplies and avoid sharing supplies. This reduces the risk of contracting or transmitting an infectious disease. Supplies are available at GBPH and
community partners.
• Take overdose prevention training and carry a naloxone kit. Naloxone is available free of charge at most local pharmacies and at GBPH, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment or prescription necessary.
Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency department. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection against simple possession.
charges for everyone present on scene when 911 is called for an overdose.

For additional support and services:
• Suicide hotline: 9-8-8
• Connex Ontario: Call 1-866-531-2600 or text 247247.
• Ontario Addiction Treatment Service (OATC): 519-371-0007
• Withdrawal management clinic/RAAM: 519 376-5666
• Maison G&B: 519-371-3642 ext. 1580
• CMHA Gray Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services: 519-371-3642
• Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM): 519 376-3999
• National Overdose Response Service (NORS): 1-888-688-6677
• If in doubt: call 211.

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