Peterborough Public Health Issues Warning After What Is Suspected Contaminated Fentanyl Sold
/Peterborough Public Health issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings, on Tuesday.
File Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Receives Almost $800,000 For Expansion Of Safer Supply Program
/The Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (360NPLC) has received $799,671 for expansion of Safer Supply Program from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP).
Photo by Luke Best.
The Safer Supply Program (SSP) is part of a broader response to the drug poisoning crisis happening in Peterborough.
This amendment will fund a 50-person SSP located at the 360NPLC.
This program will increase the harm reduction options available to people who use drugs (PWUD) in the community. The SSP will provide an opportunity to engage participants in a new, innovative, and positive manner, with the participants’ individual goals at the centre of their care.
A team consisting of health, social, and harm reduction service providers will serve participants through a gradual enrollment process beginning May 2022. Participants will have access to primary healthcare and social services both internally and through partner organizations.
Throughout the year the SSP will refine their local approach, create a local community of practice, and share knowledge about how this emerging practice might be offered in other small communities across the province and country.
“Expanding access to safer supply, a key harm reduction strategy in the context of a toxic drug supply, is an incredibly important opportunity to support people who use drugs in the Peterborough region and decrease the harms of the evolving crisis,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Peterborough Public Health. “I commend the Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic for their leadership in supporting this population.”
Suspected Drug Poisonings Reported By Peterborough Public Health
/Peterborough Public Health issued a warning today, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend.
Photo by Luke Best.
Between Friday and Saturday, Peterborough Public Health detected increases in drug related Emergency Department Visits and Paramedic Calls for Service.
During this period, there were eight Emergency Department Visits and seven Paramedic Calls for Service, representing a total of 13 unique incidents.
In the last week (April 25-May 1), there were 10 drug-related Emergency Department visits and 10 Paramedic Calls for Service. This increase has prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms in the community.
If you use drugs, Peterborough Public Health recommends that you:
Avoid using drugs alone
If you use 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 to you o Avoid mixing drugs o 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
Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:
Skin is cold and clammy
Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
Body is very limp
Can’t wake the person up
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
Pupils are very small
If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be accessed by clicking here.
For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.
Peterborough Public Health Reminds Community Members Of The Importance Of Drug Safety Ahead Of The Long Weekend
/Ahead of the holiday long weekend, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding community members about the importance of drug poisoning prevention, not using drugs alone, and carrying a naloxone kit.
“If you or a loved one uses drugs, practicing harm reduction, planning ahead, and connecting to available supports can help you and your community stay healthy and as safe as possible,” said PPH in a media release.
When using drugs, please remember these prevention tips:
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.
Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
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.
If you suspect an overdose, respond quickly by calling 911 right away. Give naloxone if available, and stay with the person until help arrives.
Where to Get Supplies Over the Holiday Long Weekend (April 15-18)
Naloxone and emergency overdose response
• Peterborough County-City Paramedics
All paramedics carry naloxone for distribution. When attending a drug-related 911 call, paramedics can provide naloxone kits to the patient whether or not naloxone has already been administered.
Naloxone and other Harm Reduction Supplies
• One Roof Community Centre
99 Brock Street, Peterborough, ON o 705-874-1812
• Participating Pharmacies
ontario.ca/naloxone
Crisis Response
• Four County Crisis
If you are in crisis, please call 705-745-6484 or toll-free 1-866-995-9933. By phoning these numbers, you can access 24-hour, free, confidential crisis support.
• Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough
Call 705-745-2273 for free, non-judgmental, and confidential crisis support available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Peterborough Public Health is also encouraging members of the public to use the recently launched ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. This tool is an anonymous survey to report overdose incidents and harms in the community. Any information shared through the survey supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing overdoses in the Peterborough Area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be accessed by clicking here.
Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Alert
/Peterborough Public Health issued an alert regarding a significant increase in suspected drug poisonings locally, on Monday.
File Photo.
“Over the last two days, Paramedic Calls for Service and Emergency Department Visits for suspected drug poisonings have been consistently high,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “This has prompted us to proceed with issuing a public warning in hopes of preventing further harms in the community.”
Beginning Dec. 14 through to Dec. 21, local paramedics responded to 9 opioid related calls for service, and there were 12 opioid-related Emergency Department Visits.
Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:
o Don’t use drugs alone o If you use with a friend, do not use at the exact same time
o Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888- 688-6677
o Carry a naloxone kit, keep it visible and close to you
o Avoid mixing drugs
o Test your drug by using a small amount first
o Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered
Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:
o Skin is cold and clammy
o Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
o Body is very limp
o Can’t wake the person up
o Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
o Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
o Pupils are very small
If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Stay with the person until help arrives.
“The mixture of opioids and other drugs, accidental or not, can increase the risk of overdose and death,” Said Dr. Piggott. “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 Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.”
Peterborough Public Health also stressed that under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 3 drug poisoning deaths for every death attributable to COVID-19, Dr. Piggott explained.
“This serves to remind us that our community is confronted by two immediate and very significant threats to public health - the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing harms of substance use and the contaminated drug supply.”
For a list of local community agencies that are providing naloxone, harm reduction supplies, and overdose response services over the holidays visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/stay-safe-over-theholidays/.
To access local data regarding opioid-related harms, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.
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Peterborough Drug Strategy Shares Holiday Closures And Safety Tips To Prevent Opioid Poisonings
/With the holiday season approaching, Peterborough Drug Strategy partners are reminding community members about the importance of overdose prevention and not using drugs alone.
It is not uncommon to see drug poisonings and other harms increase over the holidays. This time of year can be difficult for many people, and can trigger sadness, stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions. While people use drugs for many different reasons, this can lead to consuming more alcohol and other drugs in an effort to cope or manage these feelings.
Peterborough Drug Strategy suggests that individuals currently experiencing a mental health or substance use concern, or are working towards recovery, connecting with a trusted friend or family member and reaching out to them regularly may be helpful.
When using drugs, please remember these prevention tips:
• Don’t use drugs alone
• Use with a friend, but not at the same time
• If you are using alone, have a plan. Have someone check in with you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677
• Carry naloxone, keep it visible and close by
• Avoid mixing drugs
• Test your drugs 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
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
• Can’t wake the person up
• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
• Pupils are very small
If you suspect an overdose, respond quickly by calling 911 right away. Give naloxone if available, and stay with the person until help arrives.
While a number of local community agencies will be closed between Friday at 12 p.m. to Jan. 4, 2022, naloxone, harm reduction supplies, and overdose response services are available from the following agencies:
Naloxone and emergency overdose response
• Peterborough County-City Paramedics. All paramedics carry naloxone for distribution. When attending a drug-related 911 call, paramedics can provide naloxone kits to the patient whether or not naloxone has already been administered.
Naloxone and other Harm Reduction Supplies
• One Roof - 99 Brock Street. Open Daily 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and again from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Note: If there is an extreme cold event guests can request harm reduction supplies during the extended hours drop-in from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and again from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• FourCast – 200-130 Hunter Street W. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1. Open Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open all other days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• CMHA - 466 George Street N. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1. Open Dec. 24 and December 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open all other days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic - 360 George Street N. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1 .Open Dec. 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Open Dec. 29 to 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open Dec. 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Mobile Support Overdose Resource Team (MSORT) Open Dec. 24 and 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, call the MSORT mobile office at 705-760-0673.
• Elizabeth Fry Society - 150 King Street., 4th Floor. Closed from Dec. 25 to January 3. Open Dec. 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Elizabeth Fry’s peer support line will be available 24/7 for calling or texting throughout the holidays at 705-768-4334 for harm reduction supplies and naloxone.
• PARN. Closed from Dec. 24 at 12:00 p.m. to Jan. 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Addiction Treatment Services (Alcohol and Drug Use)
• Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic. Closed Dec. 27, reopens Jan. 3 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Crisis Response
• Four County Crisis. If you are in crisis, call 705-745-6484 or toll-free 1-866-995-9933. By phoning these numbers, you can access 24-hour, free, confidential crisis support.
• Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough. Call 705-745-2273 for free, non-judgmental, and confidential crisis support available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
For more information about opioid-related harms data, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Light the Way to 160k Receives $25,000 Donation to Assist Renovation of Opioid Response Hub
/Fourcast has announced a $25,000 contribution by the Brian and Lynne Kelly Family Fund of The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough to the Light The Way to $160K campaign, on Tuesday.
Site of the future Opioid Response Hub. Photo by Angela O’Grady.
This donation will go towards assisting with the renovation of the Opioid Response Hub at 220 Simcoe St. in downtown Peterborough.
“We hope this donation encourages others to learn about the opioid crisis and make their own contributions to the Light the Way Campaign,” said Brian Kelly.
“Brian and Lynne recognize that the opioid issue is destroying lives, shattering families and taking its toll on the entire community,” says Co-Executive Director of the Community Foundation, Jennifer DeBues. “Supporting the Opioid Response Hub is an active step towards creating solutions to the opioid crisis in Peterborough.”
Currently, 220 Simcoe Street is undergoing significant renovations that will provide members of organizations such as Fourcast, PARN, the 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (NPLC), as well as Peterborough County Paramedics and the Mobile Support Overdose Resource Team (MSORT) to provide wraparound services and supports.
With the donation, the Light The Way to $160K campaign has reached over $70,000. The campaign runs until November 30th. To contribute to the Light the Way to $160K campaign, donations can be made at the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough web site at www.cfgp.ca/LightTheWay.
For those who prefer to mail or drop off cheques, please make the cheques out to ‘Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough’ and include ‘CTS Fund’ in the memo. They can be addressed to the organization at 261 George St N Suite 202, Peterborough, ON K9J 3G9.
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International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event Held At The Silver Bean
/A memorial service to honour those lost to drug overdose was held at the Silver Bean Cafe on Tuesday.
White crosses set up at the event to honour those lost to overdose.
The event was hosted by Gail Perry, a member of Moms Stop The Harm, an organization of people impacted by substance use related harm or death.
Perry lost her daughter Jody Smith to complications related to opioid use three years ago.
“I’m not ashamed of how my daughter lost her life,” Parry said. “I’m ashamed of how people pick and choose which life has value.”
Parry says her daughter was mistreated during hospital visits because of her opioid use, which ultimately lead to her death.
“Stigma is deadly,” she said. “It is a killer. It creates dangerous and narrow minded attitudes towards those who need help and understanding. It shames and keeps people silent, alone and in hiding. Stigma interferes with getting the right kind of support and medical attention.”
Tuesdays event hosted members from local harm reduction offices like PARN, The Elizabeth Fry Society and Fourcast.
The Elizabeth Fry Society provided on-site Narcan kits and training.
“Narcan is a way to help preventable deaths,” said Abby from The Elizabeth Fry Society. “It’s a way to practice empathy, it’s a way to help support people that are struggling in our community that are being stigmatized and demonized by societal expectations that we’ve been fed our entire lives.”
A Narcan kit includes two doses of Naloxone, a nasal spray that is used to reverse overdoses in an emergency situation.
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Businesses In Downtown Peterborough Responding To Opioid Crisis By Keeping Naloxone Kits On Hand
/Businesses in downtown Peterborough are responding to the local opioid crisis by keeping Naloxone kits on hand and having staff trained on how to identify and respond to an opioid poisoning or overdose.
The Downtown Business Improvement Area is partnering with Peterborough Public Health and Harm Reduction Works @ PARN to provide Naloxone kits at no-cost to a number of strategically located downtown businesses. Naloxone is a safe lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, buying time for a person to get the necessary medical attention they may need.
Photo of Naloxone kit courtesy DBIA
“We’re in the midst of an opioid crisis in Peterborough,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “We see first-hand people struggling with addiction and sadly, we’ve already lost too many members of our community. If helping local businesses know what to do when they see an opioid poisoning saves one life, it’s worth it.”
“We know that people working downtown are experiencing the impact of the opioid crisis on a daily basis and want to do what they can to help,” adds Kim Dolan, Executive Director at PARN. “This initiative increases our collective response to opioid poisonings in our community and sends a strong message that people in Peterborough are prepared to step up and save lives.”
“This program reflects the caring attitude of the local business community towards people with addictions and the growing awareness that this issue affects us all,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health at Peterborough Public Health. “In some ways, this demonstration of compassion is just as effective as the Naloxone itself because it reduces the terrible stigma faced by people who struggle with addictions.”
Photo of Naloxone kit courtesy DBIA
