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.
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, 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 Drug Overdose 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 here.
The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force are members of the Timmins and Area Drug Strategy 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.