Millbrook First Nation Health Centre

02/20/2026

We are sharing our care and concern for our community members, who are at heightened risk of harms due to the unpredictability of the strength and contents of drugs in the illegal drug supply.
This report came from a community source regarding multiple toxicities related to fentanyl.

Location/community of where the drug was used: Pictou County

Date and time when the drug was used: Feb 13-18, 2026

Name(s) of the drug (i.e. what was assumed to be used): Fentanyl

Description of the drug and its packaging: Dark blue/green chunks

How the drug was used: Smoked

Observed reaction of the drug used: Multiple toxicities were reported. Reactions included a stronger than expected reaction to fentanyl, reduced breathing and heart rate. In some cases, naloxone was required and effective.

Test-strip results (if used): Tested positive for fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines

How to Stay Safe: Let someone know, start low, and go slow

✔ Do NOT use drugs alone – Use with someone you trust or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS. They will stay on the phone with you while you use, so they can get you help if needed.

✔ Start with a very small amount – These drugs are stronger than what people may expect or may be used to.

✔ Have naloxone ready – Naloxone can help with opioid overdoses, but it will NOT work on other substances, such as benzodiazepines. Even if you're unsure what substance caused an overdose, always give naloxone—it won’t harm the person, but it may help if opioids are involved.

✔ Call 911 immediately for any overdose – Even if naloxone is used, emergency help is still needed.

✔ Expect the unexpected – Always assume street drugs may not be what you think and contain drugs different from or stronger than you expect. Pills that look like real medicine could be fake.
✔ Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
✔ Go to an overdose prevention site – If available in your area, these sites provide a safe space to use drugs with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency.

• ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370)

• PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766)

🆘 If someone overdoses:

• Call 911 immediately – Tell them someone is unresponsive.

• Give naloxone if you have it. More than one dose may be needed if high potency opioids are involved. If there are no opioids, naloxone will be ineffective but will not cause harm – give it anyway.

• Stay with them and make sure they can breathe.

• If they stop breathing, perform CPR until help arrives.

Get Free Naloxone Kits:
You can get naloxone for free at The Millbrook Health Centre, most pharmacies and harm reduction programs. To learn more, visit:
🔗 Take Home Naloxone

Looking for help?

National First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line:
1-855-242-3310

Mi'kmaq Crisis Line: 1-855-379-2099

Elsipogtog Help Line: 1-855-523-8260

Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167

Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868; Text CONNECT to 686868

Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service - (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 pm) - 1-855-922-1122

211 Nova Scotia - information and referrals to community and social services: Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; Email: help@ns.211.ca

02/20/2026

Camp season is upon us! 🏕️☀️

Brigadoon Village is Atlantic Canada’s first camp of its kind, offering up to 20 specialized summer camp programs for children and youth (ages 7–18) living with medical conditions and life challenges.

Each camp is thoughtfully designed so campers connect with others who truly understand their journey — often for the very first time. Those shared experiences can be incredibly powerful.

It’s a place to build friendships, confidence, and unforgettable memories. ✨
Registration is now open — check out this year’s programs!

If camp is calling, now’s the time to apply!

Spaces are limited and fill quickly so move fast, because we can’t wait to welcome campers for another unforgettable summer. 💛

Please note: it is a two-step application process.

Step 1: log into CampBrain to complete and submit your Primary Application Form. The completed application will be reviewed by our team. The review includes (a) ensuring all information is complete (b) assessing whether we are able to meet your camper's needs on site (c) that the camper meets the mandate of the camp program. Once our review is complete, you will receive an email confirmation of your camper's spot at camp. You can expect to hear from us within six weeks of submitting your Primary Application.

Step 2: In the spring, you will get an email invitation to complete your Secondary Application Form and Medical Form. Once all forms are completed, you will receive your camper handbook and other relevant information to get your camper ready for camp.

02/19/2026

Winter coats and car seats don’t mix! ❄️🚗

Bulky snowsuits and winter jackets can leave dangerous slack in your child’s harness or seat belt — even if it looks tight. For a safe winter fit:

✔️ Buckle your child in without their coat - use thin layers, they won't freeze on the way to the car!
✔️ Tighten the harness (no slack at the shoulders!)
✔️ Do the pinch test — you shouldn’t be able to pinch any webbing
✔️ Add blankets over the harness or seat belt for warmth

Want peace of mind? Book a car seat safety fitting with Tilina, CPST and we’ll make sure your little one is snug, secure, and winter-ready.

02/18/2026

A beautiful story of resilience, determination and recovery. What is your story?

02/18/2026

This weeks program will be put off till next week due to weather. Hope to see you next week!

02/16/2026

Circle Of Support for both the day and evening groups are canceled for February 17th, a new dates for February will be posted soon. We apologize for any inconvenience.

02/13/2026

Public awareness notice regarding suspected highly toxic fentanyl circulating

February 13, 2026
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

News Release

New Glasgow Regional Police are advising the public that we have reason to believe a highly toxic fentanyl supply may currently be circulating in our area. This advisory is being issued based on a combination of confirmed information and emerging intelligence, along with frontline observations. While the situation continues to be assessed, we believe it is important to provide early public awareness to help prevent serious harm and save lives.
This notice is being shared from a public-safety and harm-reduction perspective. Our priority is the preservation of life and supporting individuals, families, and service providers with information that may help them recognize risk and respond quickly.
What to watch for:
Fentanyl and related substances can be present in many drugs and may not be visible. Increased toxicity can lead to rapid and severe medical distress. Warning signs of toxic ingestion or overdose may include:
slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
difficulty staying awake or unresponsiveness
bluish lips or fingernails
choking, gurgling, or inability to be roused

What to do in an emergency:
Call 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose or toxic ingestion.
Administer naloxone if available.
Stay with the person until help arrives.

Substance use disorder is a health issue, and people who use substances are members of our community who deserve care, dignity, and support. This advisory is about reducing harm, preventing loss of life, and ensuring people know where to turn for help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or mental health concerns, support is available:
Local / Provincial Supports (Nova Scotia):
Nova Scotia Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167 (24/7)
Nova Scotia Mental Health & Addictions Intake: 1-855-922-1122
Call 911 in any immediate health emergency

National Supports (Canada):
Su***de Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 (24/7)

New Glasgow Regional Police are working in collaboration with health and community partners to monitor the situation and share further information as appropriate. We encourage anyone who uses substances, their families, and service providers to remain aware and take precautions.
Our community’s safety and well-being remain our top priority.

02/12/2026

Reminder: Happening tomorrow at 1:30pm at the Health Centre.

02/12/2026

The Millbrook health centre will be closed today, February 12 due to weather and road conditions. If you have an appointment with the provider, you will receive a phone call. It will show up as a private or unknown number. Thank you and stay safe 

02/11/2026

This program has been cancelled today due to the weather. Stay tuned next week for an update!

Reminder: Starting tomorrow, Wellness Wednesday: Smoking Cessation series. No registration required.

02/10/2026

Reminder: Happening tomorrow! Wellness Wednesday: Smoking Cessation. No registration required. 1-2:30pm at the Health Centre.

Reminder: Starting tomorrow, Wellness Wednesday: Smoking Cessation series. No registration required.