For international Overdose Awareness Day, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is highlighting how the issues have impacted the region.
The health unit reported that in 2020, overdose deaths increased by 75 percent compared to 2019. They say the trend is continuing this year, with nine deaths recorded in the first four months of 2021.
Public Health lists several factors that played a role in the increased amount of deaths, such as pandemic-related isolation and an increase in contaminated drugs. They also say changes in how social services are delivered have also played a role.
Public Health is warning the community that overdoses and substance abuse disorders can affect anyone, including those who use prescriptions incorrectly. They are encouraging users to take steps to use as safely as possible and are asking people to be aware of the signs of an overdose, like blue lips, inability to be woken up and slow, shallow breathing.
For North Hastings, harm reduction supplies can be picked up at Public Health offices at 1 Manor Lane in Bancroft. Those who experience an overdose can call the National Overdose Response Service hotline at 1-888-688-6677.