Five recent drug poisonings trigger health warning
Peterborough Public Health issued a drug poisoning alert on Thursday after paramedics and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre observed a higher-than-normal rate of poisonings over the last five days, resulting from an unknown substance.
Five drug poisonings on Wednesday resulted in EMS calls or emergency department visits, according to Sarah Gill, health promotion specialist of communications for Peterborough Public Health (PPH).
“At this point we do not have any additional information from our partners regarding the substance. With the current drug poisoning crisis, all substances from an unregulated source should be considered tainted and we continue to strongly recommend to never use drugs alone,” stated Jocelyn Qualtrough, health promoter for PPH, by email.
“The CTS (Consumption and Treatment Services) offers services, including drug-checking, every day from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and carry multiple naloxone kits.”
Residents can learn where to get a naloxone kit at ontario.ca/page/ where-get-free-naloxone-kit.
This drug poisoning alert was triggered by PPH’s Early Warning Surveillance System (EWSS), designed to assess if and when people who use drugs are at an increased risk of drug poisonings, noted Qualtrough.
“As part of the response pathway, when higher than expected numbers of drug poisonings are detected, we notify agencies that work directly with people who use drugs and issue an alert,” she stated.
“The intention of the alerts is to reach those who need the information most. The EWSS uses data regarding emergency department visits and emergency medical service calls related to drug poisonings.”
Drug checking
Available at Consumption & Treatment Site (CTS) — 220 Simcoe St.
Test strips for fentanyl, benzos, and xylazine are available at the CTS during hours of operation (9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily)
Harm reduction support
Consumption & Treatment Site (CTS) — 220 Simcoe St. Open 9:30 a.m. — 9 p.m. daily
National Overdose Response Service — 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
Krasman Centre — Warm Line & Peer Crisis Support Services — 1-888-777-0979, or online at krasmancentre.com/what-we-do/ warm-line-peer-crisis-support. This service is available from 10 a.m. to midnight
Crisis support
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — Call or text 9-8-8
Distress Centre of Peterborough — call 705-745-2273; open 24/7.