The overdose monitoring alert and response system has issued an overdose alert for Waterloo region after nine suspected opioid overdose deaths were recorded this month.

The Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy says since Dec. 1, there have been nine suspected opioid-related overdose deaths, including three people on Dec. 18.

Responding to the recent deaths, Pete McKechnie, social support coordinator at Sanguen Health Centre expressed "sorrow" and "sadness" for the families of those who died as well as support workers.

"My response to that is a great deal of quiet anger that people are still passing due to overdose," McKechnie told CBC K-W Monday.

He said there's also "a great deal of concern for the moral distress that I know many workers, outreach nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians that I work with — that do an amazing job — are going through because of what would seem to be systemic failure in not supporting folks who use drugs, folks who are struggling with homelessness and support at this point in time."

The Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy said no particular colour or unusual symptoms have been reported in relation to the nine deaths. It said dangerous drugs continue to circulate locally causing an increased risk of overdose.

In a tweet about the three suspected opioid overdose deaths Saturday evening, the Waterloo Regional Police Service encouraged people who use drugs to visit the consumption and treatment services site at 150 Duke St. W. in Kitchener, or use with someone they trust.

As well, people should keep naloxone with them and know how to use it, police wrote on Twitter.