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Kingston —KFL&A Public Health is issuing an alert to warn residents about current concerning trends in drug-involved poisonings within the KFL&A region.
The Integrated Care Hub and Consumption and Treatment Services in Kingston have noted an increase in the number of clients experiencing extreme sedation and complex drug poisonings after consuming substances expected to be fentanyl. Signs of toxicity are happening very shortly after consumption. Limited response to naloxone has resulted in the need for transportation to the hospital for further care for some experiencing apparent opioid poisonings. Further, cardiac and circulatory symptoms are being reported in some, including very slow heart rate.
These observations align with the known toxicity and unpredictability of the unregulated drug supply in Ontario, including the previously reported presence of high potency opioids and contaminants of other central nervous system depressants (such as benzodiazepines and animal tranquilizers like xylazine and medetomidine).
While the unfolding local situation is being largely attributed to substances described as “blue fentanyl,” KFL&A Public Health urges anyone using any unregulated substance to exercise a high degree of caution and to:
- Avoid using alone. If you use alone, tell someone before you use and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in with you. Alternatives may include:
- Using with a friend or family member present or virtually, staggering use if both are using drugs.
- Using a supervised consumption service in person at Consumption and Treatment Services at 661 Montreal St. in Kingston or virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
- Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
- Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
- Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you. Consider carrying multiple doses of naloxone.
- Call 911 for emergency medical treatment immediately if drug poisoning is suspected.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs share the above safety information with them and get a free naloxone kit and training.
For more information on harm reduction visit the KFL&A Public Health website
For more information about this alert, please contact Amy Chesney, Regional Director, Vulnerable Populations, Providence Care at chesneya@providencecare.ca.
About Kingston’s Consumption Treatment Services
Consumption Treatment Services is a safe, supportive space where people may engage in the supervised consumption of their substances. This supervision reduces the likelihood of harmful outcomes like fatal overdoses and is an extension of existing harm reduction programs that provide easy-to-access, life-saving harm reduction services in a stigma-free environment, to help reduce the growing number of opioid-related overdose deaths.
The CTS provides:
- supervised consumption services including overdose response if needed
- harm reduction education and supplies, including disposal of used supplies
- naloxone
- connection with community support worker
Kingston’s CTS is located within the Integrated Care Hub (located at 661 Montreal St., Kingston). Anyone is welcome to come to the CTS, which is open seven days a week, between the hours of 9a.m. to 9 p.m. The CTS is a drop-in service and does not require an appointment or a referral to access the site.
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