London, ON – The potential arrival of new and highly toxic forms of opioids to our region is causing concern as the world marks International Overdose Awareness Day. Over the last several weeks, staff at the Middlesex-London Health Unit have received information about an increasing number of overdoses due to opioid-poisoning.

Last week Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) issued a community warning noting there had been 13 overdoses at London’s Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) between August 1st and 23rd. As of this afternoon, that number had climbed to 23, after six more overdoses occurred at the site in the last week. In all of these cases, the overdoses were reversed due to the intervention of staff members as well as the use of oxygen and naloxone. In all but one case, the substance used was fentanyl.

This increased number of opioid poisonings in the last month stands in stark contrast with the eight overdoses that occurred, and were reversed, between the opening of the TOPS facility in mid-February and August 1st. Statistics gathered by the Heath Unit as part of its surveillance of the local opioid crisis indicate the number of opioid-poisonings is increasing, raising concerns that people who inject drugs are being exposed to a new threat.

“Over the last few weeks, we have observed a sustained increase in the number of opioid poisonings being seen in local emergency departments. When you combine that with the reports we’re receiving from TOPS, you can’t help but ask whether there is a new and highly dangerous variant of drugs in our community,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “These numbers are well above the averages we’ve observed since we’ve been monitoring overdoses and injuries related to this crisis.”

Naloxone kits are available through the Health Unit, RHAC and pharmacies across Ontario for people who use opioid drugs like fentanyl, as well as for the friends and family of those who use. The kits contain naloxone, which is a drug that can reverse an opioid-related overdose, potentially saving a life and making it possible to receive urgent medical care.

Held annually on August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that aims to increase awareness about overdose, reduce stigma, and remember lives lost due to drug use. According to Health Canada, there were 3,987 apparent opioid-related deaths in the country last year, up from the 2,458 apparent opioid-related deaths reported in 2016. For more information visit: www.healthunit.com/opioids.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit