Ongoing Risk of Drug Poisonings in the Community
The drug poisoning health alert that was issued June 3, 2025 has been updated due to a continued rise in incidents in our community.
Last week, 8 drug poisoning incidents were reported (May 29 to June 3)
This week, 9 additional incidents have been reported to date (June 4 to 9)
This highlights the continued toxicity and unpredictability of the unregulated drug supply currently circulating. Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death. Poisonings with this current supply are showing heavy sedation even after naloxone is given. After naloxone is given, check that the person is breathing regularly. If they are very sedated but still breathing, gently encourage steady breaths to help prevent their breathing from slowing down further before further assistance arrives.
For more information on responding to a drug poisoning, visit: Recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose.
Reduce your risk of overdose
While the Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) at the Guelph Community Health Centre (CHC) is now closed, strategies and supports are still available.
- Test your substances: Test strips are available from Sanguen, Royal City Mission and WDG Public Health. A drug testing machine is also located at Guelph CHC at 176 Wyndham St. N. Get more information on drug testing
- Carry naloxone: Naloxone is available and free at WDG Public Health, local pharmacies, the downtown library, and Guelph CHC. Where to get take-home naloxone kits
- 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: More information from the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy
- Connect to substance use and mental health supports: Reach out to Here 24.7.
www.wdgpublichealth.ca/harmreduction
DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE COPY OF THE HEALTH ALERT UPDATE (PDF, 1 PAGE)