An increase in emergency department visits related to substance use in the Hastings and Prince Edward counties area has prompted an alert from public health.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Southeast Public Health issued a release alerting residents to an increase in drug-related events during the week of March 29 to April 5.
“Preliminary data from this period shows an elevated number of emergency department visits related to substance use in Hastings and Prince Edward counties,” said the health unit.
Officials said community partners have reported symptoms like low heart rates, low blood pressure and prolonged sedation lasting several hours associated with the drug-related events.
In addition to informing key partners and the public, public health said staff also continue to promote access to naloxone kits and other harm reduction measures.
To prevent drug-related harms, the health unit also continues to urge people to avoid using alone as roughly 75 per cent of opioid poisoning deaths happen where no one is there to help.
“If you use alone, tell someone before you do and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in on you,” said officials.
The health unit is also reminding those who use substances of the National Overdose Response Service (NORS), which is accessible at 1-888-688-6677.
Officials are also recommending that people avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol and to “go slow” as the quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
The health unit also suggests people get free naloxone kits and training. Naloxone kits should always be on hand and consider carrying multiple doses, added officials.
Public health also stresses that anyone who suspects a drug poisoning has occurred should 911 right away.
Residents with friends or family members who use drugs are being asked to share this safety information.
Additional harm reduction information and details surrounding Kingston’s Consumption and Treatment Services (the nearest supervised consumption service) are accessible via the Southeast Public Health website.
