Public health warns of increased risk of drug poisoning - The Kingston Whig-Standard

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Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Public Health is warning of an increased chance of drug poisoning as “an extremely toxic” supply of drugs circulates in the area.

“Emergency services and local harm-reduction programs report responding to an increased number of overdoses in the past 24 hours,” the public health news release said. “Drug poisoning presentations include people losing consciousness immediately after consuming a substance and remaining sedated for several hours.”

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Justine McIsaac, consumption treatment co-ordinator at the Integrated Care Hub, told the Whig-Standard on Friday that there have been at least a dozen overdoses at the location in the past two days. Normally, outreach workers at the hub reverse about a dozen a week.

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health also issued a warning about the supply on Thursday.

Local public health is continuing to urge individuals to never use alone, avoid mixing drugs, start with test amounts and to have a naloxone kit handy.

“In some cases, multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to reverse an overdose,” public health said. “Residents are encouraged to call 911 if an overdose is suspected.”

Public health emphasized that an overdose is a medical emergency and that The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for those who call 911 if they come across an overdose.

The Integrated Care Hub’s Consumption and Treatment Service, a safe, supportive place for those who need to consume substances, is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are individuals who are trained to respond to overdoses at the hub.

For those who wish to receive treatment for their substance abuse disorder, the Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic at Street Health Centre is open by appointment from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

For more information about support options, visit public health’s Getting Help web page.

Residents are encouraged to be aware of the signs of an opioid overdose and to pick up a free naloxone kit.

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Public health warns of increased risk of drug poisoning - The Kingston Whig-Standard
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