The Southeast Public Health Unit is reporting a concerning substance-related effects and unregulated drugs testing positive for carfentanil locally.
The health unit received reports from its community partners in Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) and Hastings and Prince Edward (HPE).
This includes reported instances of heavier-than-expected sedation and temporary loss of consciousness among individuals using substances believed to be fentanyl from the unregulated drug supply.
Carfentanil, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl.
Its presence significantly increases the risk of drug poisoning and death.
Several doses of naloxone may be required to reverse the effects of carfentanil.
You can read the full press release below:
Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is alerting residents to reports of concerning substance-related effects and unregulated drugs testing positive for carfentanil locally.
Community partners in Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) and Hastings and Prince Edward (HPE), including the Kingston Consumption and Treatment Services site, have reported instances of heavier-than-expected sedation and temporary loss of consciousness among individuals using substances believed to be fentanyl from the unregulated drug supply.
This coincides with recent local drug-checking results confirming the presence of carfentanil in some expected fentanyl samples. Carfentanil, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl. Its presence significantly increases the risk of drug poisoning and death. Several doses of naloxone may be required to reverse the effects of carfentanil.
SEPH emphasizes the ongoing unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. Naloxone should always be administered when opioid poisoning is suspected. While naloxone will not reverse the effects of non-opioid substances, it can counteract opioids that may be present.
In addition to informing partners and 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 beforehand 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 (CTS) at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston, or 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:
KFL&A Public Health
Leeds Grenville Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public HealthYou can also reach out to your local health unit for more information and resources.
About supervised consumption services
Supervised consumption services are supportive services that allow people to engage in the supervised consumption of their substances. This supervision reduces the likelihood of harmful outcomes like fatal drug poisonings and is an extension of existing harm reduction programs that provide easy-to-access, life-saving harm reduction services in a stigma-free environment, to help reduce the large number of opioid and other substance-related deaths.
Kingston’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) provides:
- Supervised consumption services, including drug poisoning response if needed
- Harm reduction education and supplies, including disposal of used supplies
- Naloxone
- Connection with community support workers
- Drug-checking
Kingston’s CTS is located within the Integrated Care Hub at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston. Anyone is welcome to come to the CTS, which is open seven days a week, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CTS is a drop-in service and does not require an appointment or a referral to access the site.
The National Overdose Response Service (NORS) is a phone-based virtual safe consumption service. The service is available by calling the toll-free number 24/7 across Canada. Trained peer volunteers answer calls, assist in making a safety plan, and stay on the line with the person for approximately 20 to 35 minutes. Safety plans can include a community response (someone you trust nearby with Naloxone) or an EMS dispatch. The volunteer will check in with the person every few minutes and will follow the agreed-on safety plan if the person becomes unresponsive.
NORS virtual safe consumption line: 1-888-688-6677
For more information: https://www.nors.ca/
