Health Unit & Brockville Police Warns of Increased Overdoses in The City

Brockville – The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, along with the Brockville Police Services are reporting a higher-than-usual number of overdoses on April 26, 2024, in Brockville.

The Health Unit said that they and their community partners continue to caution the community of the ongoing dangerous toxic substance supply in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark regions. Naloxone continues to be recommended to reduce the effect of drug overdoses; however, it may be less effective due to the contamination of other substances such as benzodiazepines and xylazine.

Brockville Police posted on their Facebook on Friday, April 26th the following, “Within the last several hours we have received multiple reports of separate, unrelated drug overdoses. Emergency services have responded quickly to assist those in need. These incidents have not resulted in fatalities; however, there is an increased concern for public safety regarding dangerous substances.”

The Health Unit continued to say that all overdoses are a medical emergency and calling 911 remains the most important step in saving someone’s life. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses or responds to an overdose and calls 9-1-1.

The risk of an overdose can be reduced by following safer use practices;

• Call 911 in the event of an overdose
• Carry a naloxone kit
• Avoid mixing substances
• Use a small test dose first
• Please do not use it alone

The Health Unit and other community agencies continue to provide harm reduction services (single-use equipment, naloxone, drug-checking test strips, etc.) through the Smart Works program.

Please visit the Health Unit’s website for more information. www.healthunit.org