Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 19, 2023
This holiday season, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is urging community members to be vigilant to prevent drug poisonings. The holidays can be a challenging time for many people, which may contribute to increased substance use and a potential risk of drug poisoning.
In late October and early November, we saw a concerning increase in calls for service related to opioid related events due to contaminated drugs. HPEPH is encouraging anyone who uses drugs, or knows or works with people who use drugs, to take steps to reduce their risk of negative outcomes related to the unregulated supply.
Everyone who uses drugs is urged to take these steps to reduce their risk:
- 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. A single dose may not be enough to reverse an overdose resulting from contaminated drugs.
Using drugs alone significantly increases the risk of an 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.
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 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! Call for medical assistance.
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.
You can help! Report an overdose.
Individuals who witness an overdose 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.
Wishing all members of our community a safe and happy holiday season.
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Media Contacts:
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.
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