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 May 2018:
- EMS responded to 12 incidents related to opioid overdose.
From January to May 2018:
- EMS has responded to 53 incidents related to opioid overdose.
- Most incidents involved males (70%) and those aged 20-39 (72%).
- 52% fewer incidents compared to same period last year (101 incidents).
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Naloxone
From January to May 2018:
- 270 naloxone kits have been distributed across the community:
- 37 - by BCHU
- 158 - by local pharmacies
- 75 - by community agencies
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Emergency Department (ED) visits
In May 2018:
- There were 7 ED visits for opioid overdose.
From January to May 2018:
- 30 ED visits for opioid overdose
- Many visits were due to accidental overdose (43%)
- 63% fewer visits compared to same period last year (81 ED visits).
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Deaths
In 2017:
- 21 Brant residents died from opioid overdose; additional 5 deaths are classified as “probable” opioid-related fatalities
- The number of opioid-related deaths more than doubled compared to 2016 (8 deaths)
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* last updated on June 14, 2018
