Grey Bruce Public Health has issued an Opioid Alert following six suspected drug poisonings, including one fatality, over a 72-hour period.
The alert, issued on December 2, comes after a second fatal drug poisoning in just one week.
Public Health Manager Monica Blair expressed condolences.
“GBPH is saddened to learn of another suspected drug-related fatality in our area,” Blair said.
The highly potent opioid fentanyl is suspected in the latest fatality and one of the non-fatal overdoses. The incidents occurred between November 29 and December 2 in Owen Sound, Meaford, and Hanover.
Grey Bruce Public Health warns that all street drugs should be considered highly toxic, with high-potency opioids often mixed with sedatives. This combination increases the risk of fatal overdoses and complicates emergency responses.
Public Health encourages harm-reduction strategies like using drugs with a sober friend, carrying Naloxone, and accessing drug-checking services. Overdose is a medical emergency and calling 911 can save lives, with legal protections under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
GBPH encourages people who use unregulated drugs to use drug test kits in conjunction with other harm-reduction strategies. Test kits for fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and xylazine are available from Public Health and several community partners, including Safe ‘N Sound, SOS, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey-Bruce, and the South East Grey Community Health Centre.
The SOS mobile team now offers detailed drug-checking services, providing information about what substances are present in a sample and how much. The team can be reached at 519-379-8743 from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For additional supports and services:
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
Connex Ontario: Call 1-866-531-2600 or text 247247
Ontario Addiction Treatment Service (OATC): 519-371-0007
Withdrawal Management/RAAM Clinic: 519-376-5666
G&B House: 519-371-3642 ext.1580
CMHA Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services: 519-371-3642
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic: 519-376-3999
National Overdose Response Service (NORS): 1-888-688-6677
If unsure – call 211
