Drug poisoning suspected in Grey-Bruce deaths

'Fentanyl is the suspected substance in three cases, including in one fatality. The route of administration was smoking for all the cases,' say health officials

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Grey Bruce Public Health

Two fatal and two non-fatal drug poisonings in seven days in the Grey-Bruce region have prompted that area's health unit to issue an opioid alert.

According to Grey Bruce Public Health, there were three suspected drug poisonings in Owen Sound and one in Meaford.

"Fentanyl is the suspected substance in three cases, including in one fatality," states a news release from the health unit. "The route of administration was smoking for all the cases."

In total, there were 26 reports of suspected drug poisonings in July in Grey-Bruce, including in Meaford, Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, South Bruce Peninsula, Saugeen Shores, Southgate, and Hanover.

“We are saddened by the loss of two community members to suspected drug poisoning. We are thinking of the individuals’ family members and friends during this difficult time. We encourage people who use unregulated substances to use harm reduction strategies to lower the risk of overdose and death,” said Monica Blair, manager of the harm reduction program at Grey Bruce Public Health, in a news release.

Grey Bruce Public Health is reminding people who use drugs that there are significant risks of overdoses because of contamination of the local drug supply with fentanyl, sedatives, and animal tranquilizers.

"All street drugs should be deemed potentially fatal," states the public health news release, which also recommends using drug tests kits and other harm-reduction strategies.

Test kits for fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and xylazine are available from Grey Bruce Public Health and several community partners, including Safe ‘N Sound, SOS, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey-Bruce, and the South East Grey Community Health Centre.

The health unit urges people to have a sober friend with them when using drugs or to call or text the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) or use/download the BRAVE App if using alone.

NORS can be reached by calling or texting 1-888-688-6677. A NORS operator will stay on the line with the person while the drug is used. In the event the person becomes unresponsive, NORS will call 911 to ensure help arrives.

Other harm reduction recommendations include:

Taking extra caution if mixing drugs. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of harm and overdose.
Going slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying something new or restarting use.
Using only new supplies and avoiding sharing supplies. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infectious disease. Supplies are available at GBPH and community partners.
Getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit. Naloxone is available for free at most local pharmacies and at GBPH, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment or prescription is needed.

Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency department. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects from simple possession charges for everyone at the scene when 911 is called for an overdose.

For additional supports and services: