Naloxone Available in Communities

October 7, 2016

Naloxone is Now More Available in the Community

The opioid crisis in Ontario is not going away anytime soon! Along with other provinces in Canada such as British Columbia and Alberta, Ontario is experiencing a crisis of opioid misuse. Leeds, Grenville and Lanark has not been immune to opioid misuse, addiction and overdoses.

Opioids cause a death in Ontario every 13 hours.

In the early spring of 2016, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care expanded Naloxone access in the Ontario to pharmacies. Health Canada quickly moved to make Naloxone available over the counter, allowing people to get this drug without a doctor’s prescription at their pharmacy. Pharmacies can give Naloxone kits to people who are using opioids and their friends and families.

Naloxone is the best way to treat an opioid overdose. The expansion of the Ontario Naloxone Program will allow both the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit and pharmacies to work together to get Naloxone kits into the hands of people in our community who can save the life of someone having an overdose.

To find out more about Naloxone or where to get a kit, including through a pharmacy, please contact Jennifer Adams, Harm Reduction PHN Coordinator at 613-283-2740 or 1-800-660-5853. Visit the Drug Use and Harm Reduction section for more information. You can also connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit.

Contact

Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator 613-802-0550