Fentanyl linked to 14 of 15 Windsor-area opioid overdoses during the past week
Alert issued for 'high number' of reported cases over 7-day stretch
The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) says the use of fentanyl was involved with 14 of 15 opioid overdoses during a recent seven-day stretch.
An alert was issued by the group after what itcalled a "high number" of opioid overdoses between Apr. 7 and Apr. 13.
There were also 16 substance use-related ambulance calls — 10 of which were for suspected opioid overdoses during the same time frame.
Across the country, statistics indicate opioid-related deaths doubled in Canada between 2019 and the end of 2021, mostly among men in their 20s and 30s. That new study calls for targeted harm-reduction policies.
A high-ranking member of the RCMP previously told CBC News that Canada has become both a producer and exporter of illegal fentanyl, and domestic and international collaboration is needed to disrupt the supply chain of organized crime groups operating in this country.
WECOSS said local hospitals, Emergency Medical Services and police services are continuing to monitor the increase to learn more about the reported cases.
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Numbers were similar during a week early in March — with 16 opioid overdose cases reported through emergency departments — and 13 of those also involved fentanyl.
WECOSS reminds people to never use these drugs alone and to try small amounts at first. It suggests if you're using drugs with a friend, not to use at the exact same time — and to avoid mixing substances. They urge people to also have naloxone ready and call 911 immediately if something doesn't feel right.