News Release: Naloxone Saves Lives

NORTH BAY, ON - The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is reminding the public that if you are an individual who uses opioids or you are a friend or family member of someone who uses drugs you can pick up a naloxone kit at one of the North Bay and Parry Sound Health Unit locations. Individuals who want to carry naloxone, but do not fit in the categories listed above are encouraged to speak to their local pharmacy to determine their eligibility to pick up a naloxone kit through the pharmacy.

Businesses who wish to receive free naloxone training for their staff can do so virtually through a partnership with the Health Unit and the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area. To learn more about this opportunity or to sign-up today please contact Katharine O’Connell at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5322 or via email at katharine.oconnell@healthunit.ca.

Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and is offered in two forms in Ontario: injectable and intra-nasal spray. Naloxone is safe and effective to use, and works in as little as two-three minutes. Some people may require more than one dose of naloxone so it is important to have a kit with multiple doses on-hand.

Recognizing an opioid overdose is important to saving lives. Signs and symptoms include:

• person can’t be woken up,
• breathing is slow or has stopped,
• snoring or gurgling sounds,
• fingernails and lips turn blue or purple,
• pupils are tiny or eyes are rolled back, and/or
• body is limp.

When you recognize an overdose:

1. Stimulate the individual with touch or sound.
2. Call 9-1-1.
3. Give naloxone.
4. Perform chest compressions.
5. Check to see if the naloxone is working. If the person is alert and breathing, place them in the recovery position. If they are not, give another dose of naloxone.
6. Continue steps 3 to 5 until the individual is breathing or help arrives.

Our Health Unit region has seen a significant increase in opioid-related deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The region’s current death rate is now the third highest in the province (25.43 per 100,000), behind Algoma (31.46) and Sudbury (30.15).

By carrying naloxone you could help save a life. Contact the Health Unit or a local pharmacy to learn more: www.myhealthunit.ca/naloxone.

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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