1/7 Reports of increased drug #overdose interventions and a
rise in opioid-related/illicit-drug-related deaths in the time of #COVID19 as reported in several areas of 🇨🇦 are deeply concerning.
2/7 British Columbia Coroners Service reports a 39% ↑ in suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths in April 2020 over the # deaths seen in April 2019, with March & April 2020 being the first back-to-back months w\ over 100 deaths since late 2018. www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/bir…
3/7 Toronto #Paramedic Services reported that April 2020 saw the highest
number of opioid-related fatalities in one month since September 2017, with 343 suspected drug #overdose calls, including 25 deaths.
toronto.ca/wp-content/upl…
4/7 #Overdose interventions have also spiked at the Calgary Drop-In Centre, where staff reversed over 40 overdoses in March and April 2020 compared to 11 overdose reversals in February 2020. calgarydropin.ca/march-27-commu…
5/7 Changes in the illegal drug supply during #COVID19 may ↑
the risk of #overdose. Several jurisdictions incl. Nova Scotia, Toronto & Guelph, Ontario report recent #overdose deaths due to unknown or unusual mixes of toxic substances.
6/7⚠️ Never use drugs alone. This ↑ ↑ risk of fatal #overdose.
If you are isolated due to #COVID19, connect virtually with someone who can monitor you & be ready to call 9-1-1 (or your local emergency help line) if needed. #StrongerTogether
7/7 Healthcare providers & people who use drugs can find guidance on accessing flexible treatment options & safer alternatives to street drugs to reduce risk of #overdose, #COVID19 infection & withdrawal while #PhysicalDistancing here:
canada.ca/en/health-cana…
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