Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) issued another Opioid Alert on Wednesday, less than a week since the last one.
GBPH said that a suspected fatal overdose, the fifth since the beginning of the summer, and three non-fatal drug poisonings took place between August 3 and August 6.
Two of the overdoses, including the fatality, occurred in Owen Sound, while one took place in Hanover and another in Grey Highlands.
It's believed that fentanyl is responsible for one of the poisonings, the substance used in the other three is unknown.
"Because of the toxicity and volatility of the local unregulated drug supply, Grey Bruce Public Health is advising people that all street drugs should be deemed potentially fatal and to exercise extreme caution before each dose," said Monica Blair, GBPH's Harm Reduction program manager.
For those who do use unregulated drugs, Public Health is encouraging having a sober friend present and the use of drug test kits.
Test kits for fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and xylazine are available from:
Public Health
Safe 'N Sound
SOS
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey-Bruce
South East Grey Community Health Centre
The SOS mobile team also offers detailed drug-checking services. The team can be reached Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. at 519-379-8743.
Other harm reduction recommendations from Public Health include taking extra caution if mixing drugs with alcohol or other drugs, avoiding sharing supplies, and carrying a Naloxone kit.
Grey Bruce Public Health has issued 20 Opioid Alerts in the first seven months of 2024.
