Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health is working to create a local opioid response strategy.
This comes in the midst of the growing opioid crisis which has been affecting communities across Canada, including those in Hastings and Prince Edward counties. Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Program Manager Stephanie McFaul says it’s hard to know what kind of drugs are being used locally, however, there are weekly reports of overdoses in the region.
McFaul says the health unit is consulting with local communities in order to create a plan to address the local opioid crisis.
McFaul says it’s hard to put a timeline on how long it will take to create the plan as the health unit is working in stages. She says the health unit will start by working with local communities to understand what the needs are in the region in order to determine the next steps.
McFaul says the health unit hopes to complete the community consultation stage within the next three months.