Three people have died from overdoses in the last 24 hours, according to Timmins Police.
Police say in total, eight people have "required immediate first aid" from officers at the scene of calls. Five of those people were revived by paramedics at the scenes. Three others "succumbed to the lethal elements consumed".
Friday (June 26) the Porcupine Health Unit issued an alert about the increased rate of suspected opioid overdoses in the Cochrane district. The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force had previously issued an alert April 29 because of the number of calls related to suspected overdoses. At that time, they had also seen an increase in demand for naloxone in the region.
The police advisory issued today is "strenuously urging all citizens to be mindful that certain substances currently circulating within the drug sub-culture in Timmins can be fatal if consumed."
The police advisory is in consultation with the health unit and other community partners "to address this issue as a direct threat to the welfare of persons afflicted with substance abuse addition or those prone to experimentation with illicit substances."
If you suspect an overdose, the PHU advisory says to call 911 immediately and administer naloxone, if available.
Recommendations to reduce risk, according to the health unit, are to not use alone, avoid mixing substances, test a small amount first, and carry naloxone.
Timmins Police say its drug enforcement unit is "actively working on current drug cases to locate any persons actively involved in the sale or distribution of such substances."
"Furthermore, the Timmins Police Service reminds all citizens that in cases of suspected overdose, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protections to those persons rendering assistance to those persons in distress. These persons can remain on scene to provide continued assistance and not be subjected to arrest for simply being in possession of prescribed amounts of controlled substances," reads the news release.
Free naloxone kits are available at the Porcupine Health Unit offices, and many pharmacies. A list of where to get one is available here.
