Porcupine Health Unit Issues Red Alert for Suspected Opioid Toxicity Events

The Porcupine Health Unit, in collaboration with the Opioid Emergency Response Task Force, has issued a Red Alert due to an increase in suspected opioid-related toxicity events. These events are affecting multiple communities within the Porcupine Health Unit's jurisdiction.

Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit, stated that the Task Force is sharing a red alert in response to the opioid toxicity events across the region. The health unit emphasizes the severity of the opioid crisis, noting that opioid poisonings can occur anywhere, anytime, and to anyone, regardless of their frequency of opioid use.

The health unit advises individuals who use substances to carry Naloxone, a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid poisoning. Naloxone is available at most pharmacies and all health unit offices across the region.