Our health unit is warning of a toxic drug supply after a “notable” increase in suspected opioid drug poisonings.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit says it’s linked to a substance being sold as fentanyl or “down,” which is light yellow to light green in colour.
Officials say the health unit’s early warning and surveillance system has flagged the drug in Northumberland County, and triggered enhanced outreach efforts such as more distribution of naloxone kits.
The health unit says to give naloxone to anyone going through a suspected drug overdose due to the chance of opioid contamination, as well as to call 9-1-1 and start rescue breathing or chest compressions.
Naloxone kits are available at local health unit offices and pharmacies, with a list of other locations on the province’s website.