If you witness a drug poisoning (overdose), please complete our anonymous Overdose Reporting Form below. Reporting a drug poisoning can be completely anonymous, and will help HPEPH better understand the current drug poisoning situation in our region, so we can work to ensure that services are available to those who need them most.
A drug poisoning is a response that the body has when it has received too much of one, or a mix of substances. Drug poisonings are most commonly caused by opioids. The body has many opioid receptors in the body, located in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the nervous system. When an individual consumes more opioids than their body can handle, their body’s opioid receptors become blocked and the body can no longer perform automatic functions such as breathing.
Prevent or respond to drug poisonings (overdose)
There are many resources available for individuals and organizations to help prevent and respond to drug poisonings:
- Take steps to Reduce the Risk – Health Canada
- Ensure naloxone is available. Naloxone can be picked up at local pharmacies and participating harm reduction locations, as well as at Public Health offices
- If you must use drugs alone, use an overdose prevention service such as the National Overdose Prevention Services 1-888-688-NORS(6677) or Grenfell Ministries – Overdose Prevention Line
- NORS also provides information about several other crisis lines at www.nors.ca
- For more information on recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses in your organization, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The Good Samaritan Act
The Good Samaritan Act intends to encourage people who witness an overdose event to contact help. Under the Good Samaritan Act, f you seek medical help for someone who has overdosed, you will not be charged for possessing drugs for personal use. Asking for help could save a life. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act — Wallet card
