Brant/Brantford Opioid Information System
The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is collaborating with the Brant Community Healthcare System, Brant-Brantford Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Brantford Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and St. Leonard’s to provide timely opioid-related information to the public, community partners, and individuals who use substances.
Date: May 31, 2018
Issue: Spike in opioid overdose-related deaths in Brant in 2017
According to the data recently released by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, the number of opioid-related deaths in Brant more than doubled from 2016 to 2017. In 2017, there were 21 confirmed deaths due to opioid overdose with an additional 5 deaths classified as "probable" opioid-related fatalities. That compared to 8 confirmed opioid-related deaths in 2016.
Information about drug types that contributed to the overdose deaths is unavailable at this time, but illicit drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil are known to be circulating in the community.
Opioid Information Highlights
Opioid overdoses
In December 2018:
- EMS responded to 8 incidents related to opioid overdose.
From January to December 2018:
- EMS has responded to 139 incidents related to opioid overdose.
- Most incidents involved males (71%) and those aged 20-39 (64%).
- 35% fewer incidents compared to same period last year (213 incidents).
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Naloxone
From January to December 2018:
- 2,632 naloxone kits have been distributed across the community:
- 65 - by BCHU
- 2,085 - by local pharmacies*
- 482 - by community agencies
* October and December data not yet available for Pharmacies and data for community agencies incomplete for December.
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Emergency Department (ED) visits
In December 2018:
- There were 7 ED visits for opioid overdose.
From January to December 2018:
- 114 ED visits for opioid overdose.
- Many visits were due to accidental overdose (85%).
- 44% fewer visits compared to same period last year (204 ED visits).
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Deaths
In 2018: January to September
- 13 Brant resident died from opioid overdose.
In 2017:
- 25 Brant residents died from opioid overdose.
- The number of opioid-related deaths tripled compared to 2016 (8 deaths).
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* last updated on February 13, 2019
