Health officials are warning the public after a spike in overdoses in Brockville this week.
The South East Health Unit (SEHU) and Brockville Police Services say an unusually high number of overdoses were reported on Sept. 17. While the cases were concentrated in Brockville, the warning has been extended across the southeast region.
Officials say the unregulated drug supply remains unpredictable and increasingly toxic, with opioids often contaminated by substances such as benzodiazepines and xylazine. Naloxone is still recommended, but may be less effective when mixed drugs are involved.
The health unit is urging residents to follow safer use practices: never use alone, carry a naloxone kit, avoid mixing drugs, and take a test dose first. Anyone witnessing an overdose should immediately call 911.
The National Overdose Response Service (1-888-688-6677) offers a 24/7 virtual safer consumption line.
More details are available at healthunit.org.
Story by Alyssa Brush