Lambton Public Health (LPH) said 34 local residents died from an opioid related overdose last year.
In its latest opioid bulletin, the health unit said the number of confirmed and probable fatal opioid related overdoses in Sarnia-Lambton was down from 36 the year before, but up slightly from 32 deaths reported in 2022.
LPH said the rate of deaths related to opioid overdose in Lambton County has been above the provincial average since 2019.
"Preliminary data shows that the rate of opioid related deaths in Lambton was 24.34 per 100,000 in 2024, compared to 26.82 per 100,000 in 2023," read the bulletin.
The provincial rate in 2024 was 11.49 per 100,000.
In 2024, Lambton EMS responded to a total of 273 opioid overdose related calls, up from 220 in 2023.
The busiest month was in June when paramedics handled a total of 31 related calls.
Lambton Public Health issued an alert in June warning of a spike in opioid-related overdoses.
Residents are reminded that free naloxone kits are available at Lambton Public Health and at area 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.
The latest figure from LPH regarding fatal opioid related overdoses is considered preliminary, and subject to change.
Information regarding related visits to Bluewater Health emergency departments has been unavailable since October 2023 due to the regional hospital cyberattack.