The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says between Sept. 13 and 26, there were 16 overdoses, with two resulting in death.
Officials say they have been reported across the district and involved unknown opioids, fentanyl, and crack cocaine combined with unknown substances.
The Health Unit has issued a community drug alert in response to these events and is advising people who use substances to take extra precautions.
The drug alert follows reports from community partners citing unusual reactions such as seizures after using substances including crack cocaine and fentanyl.
The Health Unit advises users to:
– Check your drug with a testing strip
– Have naloxone on-hand
– Use in a safe space with people you trust
– If using alone, call or text the National Overdose Response Line at 1-888-688-6677 or have a friend check-in on you
– Know your tolerance; start low and go slow
– Avoid mixing substances
– If your high feels unusual or if you are with someone who is experiencing an overdose, call 911
For more information, visit myhealthunit.ca/naloxone.
