Peterborough Public Health Warns Public Of Increase In Suspected Drug-Related Deaths
/Peterborough Public Health is notifying community members about an unusually high number of suspected drug-related deaths for April.
Photo by Luke Best.
Through Peterborough’s Early Warning and Surveillance System, Peterborough Public Health and partners have detected high numbers of suspected drug-related deaths.
As of April 19 , there have been 14 suspected drug-related deaths in Peterborough County and City.
This increase has prompted Peterborough Public Health to proceed with issuing this notice in the hopes of bringing awareness to and preventing further drug-related harms within our community. Any substance bought from an unregulated supply should be considered tainted. Any drug can be mixed or cut with toxic substances, and even a small amount can cause a fatal poisoning.
Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:
Do not use drugs alone.
If you using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.
Avoid mixing drugs.
Test your drug by using a small amount first.
Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after
Naloxone is administered.
You are at greatest risk when you are using alone. If you are using drugs right now, it is critical that you take action to stay safe. Use with a friend and do not use at the same time. You can also ask someone to check in on you or call the National Overdose Prevention Service at 1-888-688-6677.
Community members are encouraged to know the signs of opioid poisoning and how to respond. An opioid poisoning may look like the following:
Skin is cold and clammy;
Fingernails or lips are blue or purple;
Body is very limp;
Cannot wake the person up;
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds;
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped; and/or
Pupils are very small.
