So far this year Lambton EMS has seen a steady number of calls for opioid overdoses.
In its latest opioid bulletin, Lambton Public Health said paramedics responded to 12 related calls each month in January, February and March, bringing the year-to-date total to 36.
That's down from 68 total calls in the first three months of 2024.
Preliminary data released in the monthly bulletin said the number of confirmed and probable deaths in 2024 has risen to 35, down only slightly from the year before that saw a total of 36 related deaths.
According to the report, the rate of deaths related to opioid poisoning (overdose) in Lambton has been higher than the provincial average since 2019.
Emergency department data for opioid related overdose visits has not been available since October 2023 due to the regional hospital cyberattack.
Drug users are 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.
Residents can pick up free naloxone kits at Lambton Public Health on Exmouth Street, or at area pharmacies.
Last year, 5,239 nasal spray naloxone kits were distributed in Lambton County.