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Spreading Awareness In Oxford County

Sunday, 16 December 2018 at 07:08

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The Perth Opioid Strategy group has plans to help the community to tackle the growing opioid crisis.

PERTH COUNTY - As several communities across Canada continue to battle the ongoing opioid crisis, the Perth Opioid Strategy Group, led by the Perth District Health Unit, is sending out a warning about illicit drugs, such as Heroin and Methamphetamine, being cut with Fentanyl.

Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health, warns that Fentanyl is extra dangerous because there is no easy way to discern it until it's usually too late.

"You can't see it, smell it or taste it. It is extremely toxic and a very small amount can cause an overdose."

Caution should always be taken if using street drugs: 
 
- Do not use alone: make sure you are with others or a friend.
- Use a small amount first.
- Use only one drug at a time (don't mix). 
- Get a naloxone kit. Search www.ontario.ca/naloxone to find out where you can get one in Perth County.

Under Ontario's Good Samaritan law, a person will not be charged for possession if they are calling 911 to report an overdose that they are experiencing or witnessing.

It is important for people to know the signs of an opioid overdose:

- Breathing is slow, shallow or not at all
- Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
- Finger nails and/or lips are blue or purple
- Loss of consciousness
- Unresponsive to stimuli
- Pinpoint pupils.

If someone shows any signs of an opioid overdose, witnesses are urged to call 911 immediately, give naloxone if available, and start CPR. Keep in mind that the effects of naloxone only last between 30 to 60 minutes. If opioid is still in the body after the naloxone wears off, an overdose may return.  

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