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Kingston —KFL&A Public Health is alerting residents to a recent rise in drug-involved poisonings within the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) region.
Since the weekend, local partners, including Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) in Kingston reported a notable increase in apparent drug poisonings. CTS coordinator, Justine McIsaac observed that these overdoses are happening quickly, and that preliminary local drug checking has identified fluorofentanyl in samples tested from the local drug supply. Fluorofentanyl is a potent opioid considered to be up to twice as strong as fentanyl.
KFL&A Public Health emphasizes the ongoing unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply in our communities. High-potency opioids increase the risk of drug poisoning and reversing their effects may require higher-than-usual doses of naloxone. Naloxone should always be given when drug poisoning is suspected. While it will not reverse the effects of other kinds of drugs or contaminants, it will help reverse the effects of any opioids present.
In addition to informing key partners, including the public, promoting access to naloxone kits and other harm reduction measures, and continuing efforts to prevent drug-related harms, KFL&A Public Health is urging people to:
- Avoid using alone. Approximately 75 percent of opioid poisoning deaths happen when no one is there to help. 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 CTS 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 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect drug poisoning to ensure emergency medical treatment is provided.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, please share the above safety information with them.
For more information on harm reduction visit the KFL&A Public Health website.
For more information about this alert, please contact Justine McIsaac, Coordinator at Consumption Treatment Services at justinem@kchc.ca.
About Kingston’s Consumption Treatment Services
Consumption Treatment Services (CTS) 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 workers
Kingston’s CTS is located within the Integrated Care Hub at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston. Anyone is welcome to come to the CTS, which is open 7 days a week, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 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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