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The Renfrew County and District Health Unit has issued an Overdose Alert, warning that that toxic, potentially fatal, drugs are circulating on streets.
Officials say they are noticing an increase in calls related to drug overdoses and suspected overdose-related deaths this fall.
The health unit and Ottawa Valley OPP say the increase is being noticed in the Pembroke area, since late September.
The health unit offers several tips for those who use street drugs. They are as follows:
- Don’t use alone: If you overdose and are with someone, they can get urgent help.
- Carry a naloxone kit, as it can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and kits are available for free at several locations in the County.
- Don’t mix drugs with other drugs or alcohol, as it puts you at higher risk of overdosing.
- Go slow: The quality of street drugs is unpredictable. If you are using street drugs, start by using in small amounts to check the strength of what you are using.
- Know your tolerance. The risk of overdose increases if you are a new user or have not used in three or more days.
- If you have no other choice than to use alone, always call the Overdose Prevention Hotline 1-888-688-6677 (National Overdose Response Service) to have someone standing by to call for help if needed. A volunteer will check in periodically and call 911 if there’s no response.
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