Porcupine Health Unit issues tainted drug warning
The Porcupine Health Unit is warning everyone who uses substances, even if only recreationally, that tainted substances are circulating causing opioid overdoses.
In a news release Monday, Seamus Murphy, deputy chief for the Cochrane District paramedic service, urged people who use drugs to be vigilant with their use and to always carry Naloxone.
“Drugs such as crack, cocaine, speed, meth, and MDMA may contain toxic substances,” the release said.
“Even if you don’t use these substances often, poisonings (overdoses) can be fatal. Carrying multiple doses of naloxone, not using alone, avoiding mixing substances, and testing a small amount of the drug first are ways to lower your risk of opioid poisoning (overdose).”
“During this drug poisoning crisis, any substance may be tainted,” the release continued.
“Because a fatal overdose can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone, protect yourself.”
If you must use alone, call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-6677. The service is free and available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Have you heard the one about Trump? Biden tries humour on the campaign trail
U.S. President Joe Biden is out to win votes by scoring some laughs at the expense of Donald Trump, unleashing mockery with the goal of getting under the former president's thin skin and reminding the country of his blunders.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.