Date: November 9, 2021

Issue: Increase in Suspected Opioid Overdoses in Brant

There has been an increase in suspected opioid overdoses and deaths reported in Brant thus far this month.

From November 1-8, 2021, Brant-Brantford Paramedics and the Brantford Police Service responded to a combined total of six opioid overdose incidents, including one death. This is an elevated number of overdose incidents. These incidents are currently under investigation by Brantford Police Service

There have been 193 suspected community overdose incidents as of October 31, 2021. This has surpassed the total for all of 2020. In 2020, Brant saw 174 suspected overdose incidents.

Information about drug types that contributed to the overdose incidents is unavailable at this time. The Brant County Health Unit has also been alerted to the possible distribution of carfentanil in Brant.

If you think someone is suffering from a drug overdose, call 9-1-1- immediately. If available give the person Naloxone. Naloxone is an emergency medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone, morphine. You can give naloxone while you wait for emergency services to arrive. 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 Law can protect you. The Good Samaritan Law provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 9-1-1 in the case of an overdose. This Law 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:

• Never use alone.
• Go slow if you are using a new substance; always take a small test dose first to see how it is going to affect you.
• Know your source
• Carry naloxone - a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose.
• Call 9-1-1, even if naloxone has been given.

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.