Back to SearchNORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit region has seen an increase in the number of overdose related deaths since the start of COVID-19 and an overall increase from previous years. In 2018, there were 99 opioid-related emergency department visits and 14 deaths related to opioid use, among Nipissing and Parry Sound residents. In 2019, this increased to 138 opioid-related emergency department visits and 18 deaths among the same geographical area.
International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about overdoses and that overdoses are preventable. The day is used to remember those who have died or sustained a permanent injury related to drug use.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing, Giyak Moseng – The Right Path Counselling and Prevention Services, West Nipissing General Hospital’s Alliance Centre, the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area, Nipissing Mental Health Housing & Support Services, Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres and the Community Drug Strategy North Bay & Area have teamed up to offer a week of virtual activities, and in-person giveaways. The activities are designed to help promote and educate local individuals about harm reduction, naloxone and overdose prevention. The events include: virtual opening ceremonies, a methamphetamine educational webinar, online naloxone training and a live stream of a memorial flower planting.
As a response to the increase in the number of opioid-related emergency room visits, an online overdose reporting system was developed in May of 2019. Two hundred and sixty-eight overdoses were reported between May of 2019 and May of 2020. Approximately 76 per cent of individuals reporting an overdose indicated that 911 was called. Overdoses are often not reported due to various reasons, including fear of stigma, legal repercussions and a lack of knowledge of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day, visit www.myhealthunit.ca/overdoseawareness.
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Media Inquiries:
Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca
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