MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
April 26, 2024
Health Unit warns of increased overdoses in Brockville
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, along with the Brockville Police Services are reporting a higher than usual number of overdoses on April 26, 2024 in Brockville.
The Health Unit, along with community partners, continues to caution the community of the ongoing dangerous toxic substance supply in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region. Naloxone continues to be recommended to reduce the effect of overdoses; however, it may be less effective due to the contamination of other substances such a benzodiazepines and xylazine.
All overdoses are a medical emergency and calling 911 remains the most important step in saving someone’s life. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses or responds to an overdose and calls 9-1-1.
The risk of overdose can be reduced by following safer use practices;
- Call 911 in the event of an overdose
- Carry a naloxone kit
- Avoid mixing substances
- Use a small test dose first
- Do not use alone
The Health Unit and other community agencies continue to provide harm reduction services (single use equipment, naloxone, drug checking test strips, etc.) through the Smart Works program.
Please visit the Health Unit’s website for more information. www.healthunit.org