Guelph seeing a spike in opioid overdoses: Public Health

Guelph’s public health authority says the Royal City has seen a spike in the number of reported overdoses within the past two weeks.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health believes the spike is a result of fentanyl analogues and officials are urging residents to take precautions to reduce their risk.

READ MORE: Allow paramedics to distribute naloxone, Guelph health authority report recommends

Those using drugs should carry naloxone and never use alone, officials said in a post on Public Health’s website.

Another strategy is the ‘start low and go slow’ method. Public Health said with every new purchase, start with one-third of a normal dose.

Drug users can also use the Overdose Prevention Site at 176 Wyndham St. North, which is supervised by health professionals.

READ MORE: Guelph’s overdose prevention clinic approved by Ontario government

People who use drugs or their friends and family can get a naloxone kit at the following locations:

The Overdose Prevention Site

• 176 Wyndham St. North
• Seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

• 160 Chancellors Way
• Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ARCH Guelph

• 77 Westmount Rd. Unit 110
• Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sanguen Health Centre

• 176 Wyndham St. North
• Monday to Thursday (except Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Naloxone kits are also available at many pharmacies around Guelph as well.