Although the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is taking pause and marking International Overdose Awareness Day. This year the Health Unit is showing solidarity by standing alongside partners, family and friends who have lost loved ones to overdose, recognizing the overwhelming impact of the ongoing opioid crisis. Opioid use and associated overdoses continue to have a devastating effect across our region. According to Health Canada, in the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 5,148 apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred (April to December 2020), representing an 89% increase from the same time period in 2019 (2,722 deaths).
As the world marks International Overdose Awareness Day today, the Health Unit wants to shine a light on this ongoing crisis and support those who have been affected by opioid poisonings and overdose. With this in mind, Health Unit staff will hand out support bags to those who access the Counterpoint needle syringe program, as well as to clients served by MLHU’s outreach team, many of whom have been affected by overdose and who remain at-risk for opioid-poisoning. The bags include a water bottle, granola bar, and clean socks. For hours of operation of the Counterpoint needle syringe program, visit: www.healthunit.com/needle-exchange.
“Over the course of the pandemic there has been an increase in the number of opioid poisonings seen at local emergency departments and through Regional HIV/AIDS Connection,” says Shaya Dhinsa, Manager of Sexual Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “There are a number of factors that have contributed to the worsening of the opioid crisis, including increased isolation and stress brought on by the pandemic, a more dangerous local drug supply and reduced accessibility to services for people who use drugs.”
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 their friends and family members. The kits contain naloxone, a drug that can reverse an opioid-related overdose, potentially saving a life and making it possible to receive urgent medical care. For where to get a free naloxone kit visit: www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit
Although services continue to be offered at Carepoint’s King Street location, the work is on-going to redevelop the site at 446 York Street to establish the region’s first permanent consumption and treatment service. Carepoint is currently operating from its 186 King Street location and is open 7 days a week, including statutory holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information about Carepoint consumption and treatment service, visit: www.hivaidsconnection.ca/carepoint
Held annually on August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that aims to increase awareness about overdoses, reduce stigma, and remember lives lost due to drug use. For more information about locations and organizations that provide treatment, detox and support services, visit: www.healthunit.com/opioid-resources.
Media Contact:
Beth Milne, Communications Supervisor, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-617-0564 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Shaya Dhinsa, Manager, Sexual Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit