Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 18, 2024
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is urging individuals who use drugs to take all available precautions to avoid drug poisoning. HPEPH has received notification of suspected drug-related deaths in the region during the week of March 9, 2024. These tragic deaths are in addition to the previously reported increase in suspected drug-related deaths in the region the week of February 26 to March 1, 2024. HPEPH issues a media release when there are two or more suspected drug-related deaths in one week.
Due to the toxicity and volatility of the local supply of unregulated drugs in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties (HPEC), HPEPH is urging everyone who uses drugs to take steps to reduce their risk:
- Don’t use drugs alone.
- Have a plan. Ask a person who you trust to stay with you or check on you.
- Start with a small amount to see how you react.
- Always carry one or more naloxone kits
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 you must use drugs alone, use an overdose prevention service such as the National Overdose Response Service 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.
You can help! Seek support and harm reduction services for yourself or others.
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 poisoning and pick up a free naloxone kit. Naloxone is available locally at many locations, including pharmacies. For a list of locations where naloxone is available, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/safer-drug-use.
You can help! Call for medical assistance.
A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects or witnesses a drug poisoning 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 a drug poisoning and calls 911.
You can help! Report a drug poisoning.
Individuals who witness a drug poisoning in the community can report the event to HPEPH by completing our online Overdose Reporting tool. 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.
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Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
jklein@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.
We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.
