Photo Credit: Haliburton, Pine Ridge and District Health Unit
Earlier this month, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit reported an alarming increase in drug poisonings in Belleville and just this week a report has come from Peterborough Public Health of a suspected toxic drug supply there.
Substance and Harm Reduction Coordinator Leslie McLaughlin told us why they issued an alert.
Emergency services in Belleville responded to 14 overdoes on February 6th and Peterborough reported 14 drug poisonings over the weekend.
McLaughlin told us ways to help avoid becoming a statistic.
McLaughlin went on to say that anyone depending on street drugs should always test a small amount – start low and go slow.
Leslie told us what to look if you suspect a drug poisoning.
Having naloxone can help, but don’t hesitate to call 911.
Below are a list of resources you can use to learn more about the opioid crisis, naloxone and more.
Opioids and Naloxone Programs | HKPR District Health Unit – https://www.hkpr.on.ca/health-topics/substance-use-and-harm-reduction/opioids-and-naloxone-programs/
Naloxone Training Public (youtube.com) – Naloxone Training Public – YouTube
Stay Informed: Opioid Overdose Report | HKPR District Health Unit, subscribe to receive Drug Poisoning Alerts Subscribe | HKPR District Health Unit
Report Drug Poisoning and drug related information: Local Drug Poisoning and Overdose Related Information | 1/3 (simplesurvey.com)
Find supplies, biohazard bins: Find Supplies – Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program (ohrdp.ca)
Find Naloxone: Where to get a free naloxone kit | ontario.ca
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
