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The South East Health Unit (SEHU), along with the Brockville Police Services are reporting a higher than usual number of overdoses on Sept. 17, 2025 in Brockville. While current reports were initiated in the Brockville area, SEHU is extending this alert to the whole southeast region.
The SEHU, along with community partners, continues to caution the community of the ongoing unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply in our communities. Naloxone continues to be recommended to reduce the effect of drug overdoses related to opioids; however, it may be less effective due to the contamination of other substances such as benzodiazepines and xylazine.
All overdoses are a medical emergency and calling 911 remains the most important step in saving someone’s life. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses or responds to an overdose and calls 9-1-1.
The risk of an overdose can be reduced by following safer use practices;
- Call 911 in the event of an overdose
- Carry a naloxone kit
- Avoid mixing substances
- Use a small test dose first
- Do not use alone
The National Overdose Response Service (NORS) is a phone-based virtual safer consumption service. Supervised consumption services reduce the likelihood of harmful outcomes like fatal drug poisonings. NORS is available by calling the toll-free number 24/7 across Canada. Trained peer volunteers answer calls, assist in making a safety plan and stay on the line with the person for approximately 20-35 minutes. Safety plans can include a community response (someone you trust nearby with Naloxone) or an EMS dispatch. The volunteer will check in with the person every few minutes and will follow the agreed-on safety plan if the person becomes unresponsive.
NORS virtual safe consumption line: 1-888-688-6677
For more information: https://www.nors.ca/
The South East Health Unit and other community agencies continue to provide harm reduction services (provide naloxone kits and training, harm reduction supplies, etc.) through the Smart Works program.
Please visit www.healthunit.org for more information.
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