Southeast Public Health is warning of an increase in drug-related events in Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
The health unit says in a release that the increase was reported during the week of March 29 to April 5.
Preliminary data from this period is showing an elevated number of emergency department visits related to substance use in Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
The full release can be found below:
Southeast Public Health (SEPH) 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 per cent 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.
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 Consumption and Treatment Services is located within the Integrated Care Hub at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston. Anyone is welcome to come to the Consumption and Treatment Services, which is open seven days a week, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Consumption and Treatment Services 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 telephone-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.
National Overdose Response Service virtual safe consumption line: 1-888-688-6677
Visit the National Overdose Response Service website for more information.
