The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is sharing important information about a recent event in the City of Belleville that caused an alarming increase in drug poisonings.

Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Event: Earlier this week, emergency services in the City of Belleville responded to a total of 23 overdoses, 14 of which occurred between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Substance of Concern: Unknown

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Important information:

• Street drugs may be mixed with other substances.
• Mixing drugs/substances can increase the risk of overdose. This includes mixing street drugs with alcohol.
• We recommend using naloxone in all suspected drug overdoses due to the possibility of opioid contamination or poisoning.
• Keep multiple naloxone kits on hand. Where to get a free naloxone kit | Ontario.ca
• Test a small amount of the drug before you use it.
• Call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS), virtual safe consumption, at 1-888-668-NORS (6677) or use a buddy system and call a friend.
• Call 911 in the event of an overdose.

Supports

• Connex Ontario- 1-866-531-2600 for 24/7 access to information for mental health and addictions services.
• Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics, quick access to care for addiction issues.
• Four Counties Addiction Services Team (Fourcast), out-patient addiction counselling.

Stay Informed

Sign up to receive Drug Poisoning alerts from the HKPR District Health Unit and find more information on Opioids and Naloxone at hkpr.on.ca/naloxone.