Please be aware and carry naloxone if using a substance

December 13, 2018

The Huron County Health Unit, in conjunction with the Huron County Substance Misuse Working Group, is aware of Perth county and area reporting a rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths.

There is currently no indication of a similar increase in Huron county, but the Huron County Substance Misuse Working Group would like to stress the following:

  • If you are using any substance, carry naloxone. It is possible for any street drug to be contaminated with an opioid. Naloxone is available at most Huron county pharmacies, as well as at the Health Unit.
  • If you have administered naloxone to someone, do not leave them alone. Naloxone can be life-saving, but is only temporary. After 30 to 60 minutes, the overdose can return. Call 911 in every overdose situation.
  • Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can protect you from charges. Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, a person will not be charged for simple possession if they are calling 911 to report an overdose that they are experiencing or witnessing.

Formed in 2017 to implement a coordinated opioid response, the Huron County Substance Misuse Working Group is made up of many partners, including the Huron County Health Unit, OPP, first responders, hospitals, physicians, frontline mental health and addiction services, education and local community groups.

For more information on local services, visit huronhealthunit.ca. For more information on opioids, overdose and naloxone, visit Ontario.ca/opioids.

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For more information contact:

Rita Marshall, Communications Coordinator
519.482.3416 (ext 2023)
rmarshall@huroncounty.ca
Our Spokesperson is: Michelle Carter, Public Health Nurse. Our media contact will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic.