Region’s Public Health unit extends Community Drug Alert

Region of Waterloo Public Health (ROW Public Health) has extended a Community Drug Alert following several more suspected drug overdoses and deaths.

The latest alert comes after 27 suspected overdoses or drug poisonings and three suspected drug-related deaths occurred between March 20 and March 24.

This comes after ROW Public Health reported 32 suspected overdoses or drug poisoning between March 10 and March 15. During that same period it’s believed two people died of accidental drug poisoning or overdose.

During both the previous and current alter, samples of the drugs were tested at Sanguen Health Centre‘s Drug Checking Program. The fentanyl samples were found to contain nitazenes, carfentanyl, parafluorofentanyl, medetomidine and benzodiazepines.

Users are being advised to be cautious if using white fentanyl and pale yellow drugs.

ROW Public Health said it had received reports of users experiencing deep sleepiness with a very low heart rate. Should this occur, the individual should be taken to hospital immediately.

Naloxone should be administered to anyone believed to be experiencing an overdose, ROW Public Health said. Naloxone won’t work on non-opioid drugs like medetomidine and benzodiazepines, but it should be administered anyway.

ROW Public Health has provided tips on how what to do in the event of an overdose and how to stay safer while using.

If someone overdoses:

1. Call 911
2. Give naloxone

Stay safer:

• Start low and go slow
• Never use drugs alone, use around a trusted person
• If using with a friend, take turns so one person can help if there is an overdose
• Test your drugs at Sanguen (226) 789-1719
• Use the National Overdose Response Service (NORSE) at 1-888-688-6677
• Carry naloxone and know how to use it
• Avoid mixing drugs
• The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects everyone at the scene of an overdose from simple possession charges when 911 is called.