03/03/2023
Media Release: ALERT ISSUED – INCREASE IN NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF OPIOID OVERDOSES IN TIMMINS AND AREA
Timmins, Ontario — The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force is issuing an alert due to an increased risk with the circulating opioid supply across Cochrane District. Over the past week, there has been increased volume of calls related to opioid poisonings and partners have reported an increased number of people requiring medical intervention and multiple doses of Naloxone.
“The Timmins and Area Drug Strategy has observed an increased rate of opioid-related incidences both within Timmins and across the district,” shared Patrick Nowak, Manager of Addictions and Outpatient Mental Health at the Timmins and District Hospital. “We suspect that other sedatives may be present in the current street supply, which can be incredibly dangerous and complicate typical medical response. If you, or a loved one, is using any type of substance from a street supply please don’t use alone and have multiple doses of naloxone readily available. The Safe Health Site Timmins remains open seven days a week for anyone needing supports or help and we encourage everyone to call 911 immediately if they witness an overdose.”
___
ALERTE ÉMISE EN RAISON D’UNE HAUSSE DU NOMBRE DE SURDOSES ET DE LEUR GRAVITÉ À TIMMINS ET DANS LA RÉGION
Timmins (Ontario) – Le groupe de travail sur les interventions d’urgence liées aux opioïdes émet une alerte en raison du risque accru de surdose causé par la circulation d’opioïdes partout dans le district de Cochrane. Au cours de la dernière semaine, nous avons constaté une hausse du nombre d’appels liés à des empoisonnements aux opioïdes et nos partenaires ont observé qu’un plus grand nombre de personnes ont nécessité une intervention médicale et de multiples doses de naloxone.
« Les responsables de la Stratégie antidrogue de Timmins et de la région ont constaté un taux accru d’incidences liées aux opioïdes à Timmins et dans l’ensemble du district, a indiqué Patrick Nowak, gestionnaire des services en toxicomanie et en santé mentale en consultation externe à l’Hôpital de Timmins et du district. Nous pensons que d’autres sédatifs sont possiblement présents dans l’approvisionnement actuel des drogues de rue. En plus d’être incroyablement dangereux, cela rend les interventions médicales plus compliquées. Si l’un de vos proches ou vous-même consommez une substance provenant de la rue, ne le faites pas seul et assurez-vous d’avoir plusieurs doses de naloxone à portée de main. Le Site de Santé sûr de Timmins demeure ouvert sept jours sur sept pour toute personne ayant besoin de soutien ou d’aide. Nous vous encourageons tous à composer le 911 immédiatement si vous êtes témoins d’une surdose. »
Media Release: ALERT ISSUED – INCREASE IN NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF OPIOID OVERDOSES IN TIMMINS AND AREA
Timmins, Ontario — The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force is issuing an alert due to an increased risk with the circulating opioid supply across Cochrane District. Over the past week, there has been increased volume of calls related to opioid poisonings and partners have reported an increased number of people requiring medical intervention and multiple doses of Naloxone.
“The Timmins and Area Drug Strategy has observed an increased rate of opioid-related incidences both within Timmins and across the district,” shared Patrick Nowak, Manager of Addictions and Outpatient Mental Health at the Timmins and District Hospital. “We suspect that other sedatives may be present in the current street supply, which can be incredibly dangerous and complicate typical medical response. If you, or a loved one, is using any type of substance from a street supply please don’t use alone and have multiple doses of naloxone readily available. The Safe Health Site Timmins remains open seven days a week for anyone needing supports or help and we encourage everyone to call 911 immediately if they witness an overdose.”
The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force reminds the public, people who use, and their friends and family that powerful opioids and other toxic substances continue to be circulating in the area. Any type of illicit substance can contain powerful opioids and put any person who uses them at risk of overdose and death.
For more information, visit: phu.fyi/media