Bancroft Ontario Provincial Police officers are investigating several suspected drug overdoses, including the recent death of a community member.
They remind the public that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person having it.
We spoke with local harm reduction outreach worker Victoria Burke about how people can help by equipping themselves with Noloxone, a drug which can counter the effects of overdoses.
“Narcan (Noloxone) is a life saving medication for folks who are experiencing an overdose” said Burke, “I encourage anybody and everybody to please go and get a kit, be trained on how to use it and have one. Whether you know somebody who uses substances or not.”
Last month the city of Belleville called a state of emergency after a tainted supply lead to many overdoses in the space of a few hours.
In a statement to Moose FM, councilor Tracy McGibbon acknowledged the tough battle of addiction saying,
“We lost another soul recently, but it really hits home when its someone you see everyday”
She went on to say that if anyone is in need of Naloxone, she has it on hand at her shop.
Naloxone kits can also be picked up at your local pharmacy or health unit.