Stronger substances may be circulating in the Guelph region since August 21, contributing to a rise in poisonings.
- There have been at least 21 reported cases of substance-related poisonings and one fatality in the Guelph-Wellington area since August 21, 2025.
- Please exercise extreme caution when using unregulated drugs, as the current supply may be more potent and unpredictable than usual.
Reduce your risk
- Test your substances: Test strips are available from Test strips are available from Sanguen, Wyndham House and WDG Public Health. A drug testing machine is also located at Guelph CHC at 176 Wyndham St. N.
- Carry naloxone: Naloxone is available and free at WDG Public Health, local pharmacies, the downtown library, and Guelph CHC.
- Avoid using substances alone: Call the National Overdose Response Services (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) if you’re by yourself.
- Start low, go slow: Use only a small amount of any new or unfamiliar substance.
- Share harm reduction information and resources.
- Connect to substance use and mental health supports.
Visit wdgpublichealth.ca/harmreduction.
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