The Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit continues to expand its program in the fight against drug misuse, the third leading cause of accidental deaths in Ontario.
Program manager Stephanie McFaul told the board of health Wednesday that access to Naxolone to counteract drug overdose is being extended to family and caregivers.
She told the board there is no danger if Naxolone is given, even if it turns out opioids aren’t involved.
McFaul says opioids include pain relievers such as morphine, methadone, heroin and fentanyl.
Statistics show that in 2014 more than 700 people died in Ontario from opioid-related causes, a 266% increase since 2002.
The benefits of water
Quinte area children are being urged to drink water rather than sugary beverages.
The Hastings Prince Edward health unit is running a program promoting water as a beverage of choice and 31 schools have taken the “Pledge” to raise awareness of the benefits of drinking water.
The program will also be promoting the Blue “W” Tap refilling network which identifies local businesses where members of the public can refill their water bottles without pressure to make a purchase.
