Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 19, 2024
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) recognizes that the holiday season can cause a lot of emotional stress for some individuals. To ensure that our community members who use drugs remain safe this holiday season we are urging vigilance and encouraging them to take steps to reduce their risk of drug poisoning.
- Avoid mixing drugs.
- Try a small amount first.
- Never use alone.
- Don’t share drug use equipment, as it could be contaminated with other drugs.
- Have at least one naloxone kit on hand, as a single dose may not be enough to reverse an overdose resulting from contaminated drugs.
Since last year at this time, the number of paramedic calls, police calls (BPS and OPP), and emergency department visits related to drug-related poisonings has increased. For additional information, please visit the Opioid Monitoring Dashboard.
Using drugs alone significantly increases the risk of overdose that leads to death. If you must use drugs alone, use an overdose prevention service such as the National Overdose Prevention Services by calling 1-888-688-NORS (6677). When using this non-judgemental service, an individual will stay on the line with you while you use drugs, and if you lose consciousness they will call for medical assistance to help you.
Get help
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use and would like support, visit HPEPH’s Getting Help page. To protect yourself and others, be aware of the signs of an opioid overdose and pick up a free naloxone kit. Naloxone is available at many local locations, including pharmacies. For a list of locations where naloxone is available, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/safer-drug-use.
You can help
An overdose is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 911. 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.
Report an overdose
Individuals who witness an overdose in the community can report the event to HPEPH, by completing our online Overdose Reporting form. This tool is completely anonymous and information is provided to public health nurses to help ensure harm reduction services are available to those who need them most.
Wishing all our community members a safe and healthy holiday season.
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Media Contacts:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Sara Hart, Communications Specialist
hart.sara@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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