Overdose alert issued after 5 deaths in a week

An overdose alert has been issued for Waterloo region after five suspected overdose deaths were reported in the last week. 

Dark red and black fentanyl may be circulating in the community, according to the alert issued by the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy. 

Dark red fentanyl can cause breathing problems and cardiac issues while black fentanyl is reportedly very strong and can cause long-lasting sedation, the alert said.

If you're with someone who overdoses, the alert said you should: 

1. Call 911.
2. Administer naloxone if you suspect it was an opioid overdose.
3. Do not give the person stimulants like crystal meth, which can make the overdose worse.
4. Assist the person until help arrives.
5. Accompany the person with paramedics to hospital 

Anyone using substances should also take care to: 

• Never use drugs alone.
• Avoid using at the exact same time as a friend.
• Try a small amount of a drug at first.
• Avoid mixing substances.
• Have naloxone ready.

Free naloxone, a drug which can block the effects of overdose, is available through Region of Waterloo Public Health and through the Sanguen Health Centre. Other locations can also be found through the Province of Ontario website.

78 suspected deaths in 2020

As of Tuesday, there have been 78 suspected overdose deaths in Waterloo region so far this year, 10 more than at the last count in early October. 

The number of suspected deaths is reported by police and is considered a proxy to understand the impact of opioids in the region. It can take up to 12 months for the cause of death to be confirmed by the Office of the Provincial Coroner.  

There were a total of 63 suspected overdose-related deaths in 2019 and 61 in 2018.

In 2017, there were 86 overdose-realated deaths in Waterloo region, which have now been confirmed by the coroner.