Date: February 19, 2021
Issue: Increase in Suspected Opioid Overdoses in Brant
In the past week, there have been five
suspected overdose deaths reported in Brant. These are currently under
investigation by the Brantford Police Service. Two suspected overdose deaths
have been reported since Monday, February 15.
From February 1 to February 19, 2021, Brant-Brantford
Paramedics and the Brantford Police Service responded to a total of 14 opioid
overdose incidents, including five deaths. There were an average of 14.5 overdose
incidents per month in 2020.
Information about drug types that
contributed to the overdose incidents is unavailable at this time, but illicit
drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil are known to be circulating in the
community.
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 - It is 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.
