Opioid related deaths in Sarnia-Lambton up year over year

There were 35 opioid-related deaths in Sarnia-Lambton last year.

Preliminary data released in Lambton Public Health's latest opioid bulletin for the month of March said there were 35 related deaths in 2023, compared with 32 in 2022. 

That's still below the 38 deaths recorded in 2021 and just over 40 recorded in 2020.

The health unit said Lambton EMS responded to 220 opioid overdose related calls in 2023, down slightly from 240 the year before.

In the first three months of this year, paramedics have been called to 68 such incidents.

In February, Lambton Public Health issued a health advisory, warning drug users of an increase in suspected opioid overdose/toxicity because of a spike in opioid-deaths.

Residents are reminded that free naloxone kits are available at Lambton Public Health and at local pharmacies.

Drug users are also reminded the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you from simple possession charges, in the event you have to report an overdose or call 911.