Date: September 23, 2022

Issue: Increase in Suspected Opioid Overdose related Deaths in Brant

 There has been an increase in suspected opioid overdose related deaths in Brant thus far this month.

There have been four suspected opioid related deaths reported in Brant over the last three days (September 20-22). There was an average of three overdose related deaths per month from January to August of this year. From September 1-22, 2022, the Brantford Police Service responded to 22 opioid overdose incidents, including six deaths.

 Fentanyl and other unknown opiates appear to have contributed to these overdose deaths. The Brant County Health Unit has also received reports that opioid drugs circulating in the community are more potent than usual. Additionally, non-opioid drugs may be contaminated with opioids.

 If you think someone is suffering from a drug overdose, call 9-1-1- immediately. If available give the person naloxone, even if they weren't intending to use opioids. Naloxone is an emergency medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone and morphine as well as those caused by non-opioid drugs contaminated with opioids.

 Remember naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose, but it can wear off before the person has completely recovered. Always call 9-1-1 and be treated by Emergency Medical Services.

 If you yourself have taken drugs or have drugs on you, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can protect you. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 9-1-1 in the case of an overdose. This Act is in place to encourage and protect people who are witnessing or experiencing an overdose so they can seek help and save lives.

 Reduce your risk of an overdose:

• Try not to use alone. If you must use alone, get someone to check on you either by phone or in person, or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677). NORS will stay on the phone with you while you use and call for help if needed.
• Go slow if you are using a new substance or have purchased your usual substances from a new supplier. Take a small test dose first to see how it is going to affect you.
• Purchase from a trusted supplier if possible. Be especially careful if you have recently switched suppliers.
• Carry naloxone, even if you do not expect to be using opioids. Remember that your drug may be contaminated with fentanyl even if you are not expecting an opioid.
  

For more information about opioids, including what to do if someone has an overdose and where to access harm reduction services, please visit the Brant County Health Unit website.

To see the latest opioid-related statistics, please visit the Brant/Brantford Opioid Information System webpage.

 This Alert is issued by Brant County Health Unit in collaboration with the Brant Community Healthcare System, Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services, Brantford Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Brant FACS and St. Leonard's Community Services.