Southeast Public Health is alerting residents to an increase in drug-related events during the week of March 29 to April 5. Preliminary data from this period shows an elevated number of emergency department visits related to substance use in Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
Drug-related events can cause serious harm. Community partners have reported some of the symptoms being seen include low heart rate, low blood pressure, and prolonged sedation lasting several hours.
In addition to informing key partners, including the public, promoting access to naloxone kits and other harm reduction measures, and continuing efforts to prevent drug-related harms, SEPH is urging people to:
- Avoid using alone. Roughly 75 percent of opioid poisoning deaths happen when no one is there to help. If you use alone, tell someone before you do and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in on you. Alternatives may include:
- Using with a friend or family member present, or virtually, staggering use if both are using drugs.
- Using a supervised consumption service:
- In-person at Consumption and Treatment Services at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston – drug checking services are available.
- Virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).
- Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
- Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
- Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you. Consider carrying multiple doses of naloxone.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect drug poisoning to ensure emergency medical treatment is provided.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, please share the above safety information with them. We also advise that you obtain a free naloxone kit and training.
For more information on harm reduction, visit the SEPH website.
You can also reach out to your local health unit office for more information and resources.
