Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/May 20, 2021 – As an increase in drug related overdoses has been seen across the province in the recent weeks – including in neighbouring public health units, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is reminding people who use drugs to take extra precaution to avoid the potential of overdose.
The unregulated drug supply has become extremely unpredictable during the pandemic. Toronto’s Drug Checking Service has issued alerts regarding contaminated drug supply that contains opioids much stronger then fentanyl*, and that have never been approved for human consumption. Our regional neighbours of Peterborough Public Health, Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health, and most recently KFL&A Public Health have also issued releases advising of increases in overdoses within their region. KFL&A reported a newer yellow/beige substance circulating, although opioid products continue to be in a range of colours, and continue to contain fentanyl, carfentanil, and benzodiazepines – increasing risk of overdose.
While HPEPH has not seen a spike in overdoses in recent weeks, individuals experiencing overdose do not always seek emergency medical care and as such overdoses are not always reported. With reported increases in surrounding regions and ongoing occurrences locally, HPEPH is concerned for the wellbeing of local individuals who use drugs and encourages extra precaution.
“If you use drugs, reduce your risk by not mixing drugs, try test amounts first, always have a naloxone kit on hand, and never use alone – even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “It is important to have someone with you who can administer naloxone or call 911 in case of overdose. If you must use and you are alone, you can connect with the National Overdose Response Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 1-888-688-6677 and someone will stay on the line with you.”
HPEPH has seen a upward trend in overdoses over the past year with an all time spike reported in late 2020. The Chief Coroner’s Office has also released preliminary data related to overdose deaths during the pandemic. This report confirms a significant increase in overdose deaths since the onset of the pandemic. The province experienced a 60% increase in overdose related deaths from 2019-2020, demonstrating the need for ongoing harm reduction supports and continued efforts to reduce stigma surrounding drug use and overdoses. In 2020, HPEC experienced 28 OD deaths, a 75% increase from the 16 OD related deaths reported in 2019.
If you use drugs, you are not alone. Please take steps to stay as safe as possible. Information about support options is available on HPEPH’s Getting Help page. For more information about safer drug use including locations where naloxone is available, visit hpepublichealth.ca/safer-drug-use.
Residents are reminded that 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.
*Identified substances include carfentanil (100x stronger than fentanyl), and etonitaxene is (10x stronger than fentanyl), and isotonitazene (5x stronger than fentanyl).
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Media Contact:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@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. 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 www.hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
