Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is alerting the community after 22 cases of substance-related poisonings were reported in the Guelph area in the past week. There was also one fatality.
The health unit said in a media release that the current drug supply is “unpredictably potent” and contains other substances like medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer.
If someone appears to be experiencing a drug overdose or poisoning, the health team said naloxone should still be administered, though it isn’t very effective against medetomidine. Health experts also recommend staying with the person and ensuring they are breathing regularly as signs of heavy sedation may occur.
The Guelph Consumption and Treatment Services Site is now closed but other supports are still available at the Guelph Community Health Centre.
Ways to reduce the risk:
While the Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) at the Guelph Community Health Centre (GCHC) is now closed, strategies and supports are still available.
Carry naloxone: Naloxone is available and free at Guelph CHC (176 Wyndham St. Open the long weekend 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fri, Sat, Sun), WDG Public Health, local pharmacies and the downtown library.
Avoid using substances alone: Call the National Overdose Response Services (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) if you arere by yourself. Call before you use for non-judgmental phone monitoring and overdose prevention support.
Start low, go slow: Use only a small amount of any new or unfamiliar substance.
Drug testing strips are available from Wyndham House. For updated info on where to access strips, call 519-277-4018. Get more information on drug testing here.
Share information and resources: More information from the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy and from WDG Public Health.
Connect to substance use and mental health supports: Reach out to Here 24/7.