A spike in fentanyl related overdoses is being reported by the local health unit.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health unit says from April 28-May 3, they reported 27 fentanyl related overdoses, with the majority of them coming from Brockville.
Jennifer Adams is a Harm Reduction Coordinator with the health unit and she says this is the biggest spike they’ve seen since they began using the Overdose Early Warning System.
“I think this is just an ongoing continuation of the overdose crisis, being impacted by multiple different factors, including the pandemic,” Adams said.
Out of the 27 cases reported, only 11 received medical care at the hospital.
As a result, the health unit is cautioning the community of the dangerously toxic drug supply.
“We’re encouraging anyone who’s using substances to carry a naloxone kit due to the cross contamination of most of the other street drugs in our area with things like fentanyl,” Adams said.
All overdoses are a medical emergency and calling 911 remains the most important step in saving someone’s life.
For more information – visit the Health Unit’s website.