Community Drug Alert
Press Release
March 3, 2026
CURRENT STATUS:
• An elevated number of opioid-related drug overdoses is reported in the Brantford area for a second consecutive week.
• Ten non-fatal overdoses occurred from February 23 to March 1 (including five on February 27), exceeding the number of incidents that is typical for this short period of time.
IF SOMEONE OVERDOSES
1 Call 911.
2. Administer naloxone if drug poisoning is suspected, even if you don’t think that the person was using opioids. Non-opioids can sometimes be contaminated with opioids, and if a person was not using opioids, naloxone will have no effect, so there is no risk of harm.
3. Perform rescue breathing and/or chest compressions.
4. Carefully monitor a person’s breathing. If breathing is not restored, continue to give naloxone two to three minutes apart until paramedics arrive. If a person begins breathing normally again, you do not need to give more naloxone, even if they remain unconscious.
5. If you have to leave the person unattended, put them in the recovery position.
IF USING SUBSTANCES:
• Try not to use alone. If you must use alone, get someone to check on you either by phone or in person, or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677). NORS will stay on the phone with you while you use drugs and call for help if needed.
• Go slow. Take a small test dose first to see how it is going to affect you.
• Purchase from a trusted supplier if possible. Be especially careful if you have recently switched suppliers.
• Carry naloxone, even if you do not expect to be using opioids. Remember that your drug may be contaminated with fentanyl even if you are not expecting an opioid.
• The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides protection and immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 9-1-1 in the case of an overdose.
IHT5
