Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include the number of overdose deaths on the long weekend.
After an "unnaturally high number of overdoses" over the Labour Day weekend, a local group is reminding people that powerful opioids are circulating in the area.
"We continue to see increases suspected opioid-related overdoses and tragic outcomes within the Cochrane District," said Dr. Lianne Catton, Porcupine Health Unit medical officer of health in a news release.
According to the health unit, there were two overdose deaths in Timmins over the weekend.
Before the long weekend, Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services told TimminsToday there had been 145 overdoses and 14 fatalities so far this year. In 2019, there were 141 opiate overdoses and seven fatalities. To respond to the local opioid crisis, paramedics are now carrying naloxone kits to distribute thoughout the district.
This year, the health unit has issued a number of alerts about the increased rate of suspected opioid overdoses in the Cochrane District.
In June, Timmins Police issued a safety advisory after three people died of suspected overdoses in 24 hours. In total during that time, eight people required first aid from officers at the scene of calls, with paramedics reviving five people. A fourth overdose death was reported within days of the advisory being issued.
Timiskaming-Cochrane Canadian Mental Health Association executive director Paul Jalbert, who is also a member of the Timmins and Area Drug Strategy, said the COVID-19 pandemic has increased inequities, "particularly for those dealing with mental health and addiction issues."
"The tragic loss of life that impact so many who are struggline with addictions is a stark reminder that we need to continue to implement harm reduction approaches while also ensuring that the health services for treament are available," he said in the news release.
South Cochrane Addictions Services is endorsing the Addictions and Mental Health Ontario's call for urgent action to address the rising number of overdoses across the province, according to executive director Angele Desormeau.
Naloxone is one of the best tools to save lives, said Catton. It can temporarily reverse the effects of an opiate overdose.
"We continue to work with all community partners to ensure naloxone is available across all communities and to increase the conversation, as a drug strategy, on how we can further support community members and close potential gaps in service," she said.
The Timmins and Area Drug Strategy encourages people who are using drugs to never use alone, to have someone available to call 911, and to carry naloxone.
Free naloxone kits are available at the Porcupine Health Unit offices, and many pharmacies. A list of where to get one is available here.
