Six people have died from suspected fentanyl overdoses in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark area in the last two months. The health unit says that number is what they usually see in a year.
During May, hospitals have also seen an increase in overdoses.
Officials with the health unit say they suspect the increase is because of a toxic supply of drugs, COVID-19 related stress, and a change in how available access to health and social services have been during the pandemic.
Naloxone kits are available from the Health Unit as well as access to other services and referrals.
If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 9-1-1 immediately. 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 & calls 9-1-1.
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