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Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has extended its community drug alert after a continued rise in suspected drug-related deaths across the region.
The alert was first issued on June 19 after a higher-than-normal number of suspected drug-related deaths were reported during the first half of the month. According to data from the Office of the Chief Coroner, four suspected drug-related deaths were reported between June 9 and June 15, with two occurring in Haldimand-Norfolk and two in Brantford-Brant.
Since then, three additional suspected drug-related deaths have been reported. Between June 9 and June 22, there were seven suspected drug-related deaths across the Grand Erie Public Health region. Four occurred in Brantford-Brant and three in Haldimand-Norfolk. GEPH said there have now been a total of nine suspected drug-related deaths reported in June.
Health officials said most of the deaths involved opioids. They warned that the unregulated drug supply is highly contaminated and may contain dangerous substances that users are not expecting, increasing the risk of overdose.
GEPH is urging anyone who witnesses a suspected overdose to call 911 immediately and give naloxone if it is available. Officials said naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and will not cause harm if opioids are not involved. They also reminded residents that naloxone can wear off before the overdose does, making emergency medical care essential.
Residents are encouraged to reduce their risk by avoiding drug use alone, starting with a small test dose when using a new substance, carrying naloxone, and using drug test strips whenever possible.
Drug testing supplies are available through SOAR Community Services in Brantford, The DROP in Simcoe, and the Positive Health Network outreach van.
GEPH also reminded the public that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people from simple possession charges when they call 911 to report an overdose, helping remove barriers to seeking emergency assistance and saving lives.
Written by Jeremy Hall
