Peterborough Public Health Extends Drug Poisoning Alert
Written by Comms Team, August 8, 2023
Residents Urged to Carry Multiple Naloxone Kits
Today, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending the alert issued on August 1, 2023, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings.
Over the long weekend, PPH detected 17 suspected drug poisonings in Peterborough City/County. These were responded to by 911 first responders, emergency department staff, and service providers in the community. This is presumed to be the result of a pink substance that was reported by PPH last week. These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning in the hope of preventing further harms to the community. PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.
A drug poisoning may look different from one person to the next depending on the drugs involved. A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. ALWAYS call 9-1-1.
If you or a loved one uses drugs,
- Carry multiple naloxone kits and keep them visible. Free naloxone kits are available locally. https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit
- NEVER use alone. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services Site at 220 Simcoe Street in Peterborough. Open daily between 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Avoid mixing drugs.
- Start low and go slow when using drugs, especially when buying from different or new suppliers.
- NEVER share supplies.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone begins to show signs of an overdose.
Know the Signs of an Overdose/Drug Poisoning
Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.
For more information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids”.
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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca