Increase in Suspected Opioid Overdoses

Timmins, Ontario — Friday, October 20, 2023

On behalf of the Opioid Emergency Response Task Force, the Porcupine Health Unit is issuing an alert as a result of a sudden increase in reported suspected opioid-related overdoses in Timmins and the surrounding area. The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force wishes to remind people who use substances, their friends and family, and the public that powerful opioids and other toxic substances continue to be circulating in the area.

“We suspect, based on reports from partners and clients, that sedatives and other unpredictable substances may be present in the current street supply,” shared Seamus Murphy, Deputy Chief of Cochrane District Paramedic Service.

Most overdose deaths happen when someone else is not around to intervene. The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force is encouraging people who use substances to:

• Never use alone. Visit a Supervised Consumption Site, if there is one in your community, such as Safe Health Site Timmins at 21 Cedar Street North (open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily).
• If using with a friend, do not use at the same time or call the National Overdose Response Line at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) (available 24/7).
• Test a small amount first.
• Avoid mixing substances.
• Carry a naloxone kit.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if available, and wait for help to arrive. The Good Samaritan Act provides protection from arrest and breaches for simple possession.

People who use drugs, and their family and friends, should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of overdose and how to provide first aid, including administering naloxone. Free Naloxone kits are readily available throughout the area at Porcupine Health Unit offices and at many pharmacies.

• A list of sites is available at Ontario.ca 

The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force are members of the Timmins and Area Drug Strategy and regional partners who survey and report on data that may warrant response through public alerts, increased naloxone distribution, and information for people who use substances and their loved ones. Data is collected from area emergency departments, first responders and partner agencies. The Timmins and Area Drug Strategy is a collaboration with several key community partners in health and social service sectors working to comprehensively address opioid and substance use within our communities.