A recent spike in overdoses has prompted a warning from public health about the danger of drug poisonings.
In a recent media release, Chatham-Kent Public Health (CKPH) officials said the rise is linked to an influx of strong fentanyl mixed with Xylazine –commonly referred to as tranq.
Tranq increases the effect of opioids, officials said, and can cause prolonged sedation, as well as wound and skin issues.
“This serves as an important reminder that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing,” the release stated. “Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death.”
According to recent CKPH data, there were three local suspected drug-related deaths in the past three months, from July to September. A total of 15 suspected opioid poisoning calls to CK EMS were recorded in September.
For Chatham-Kent and Ontario overall, the number of opioid-related deaths in the first quarter of 2025 is lower than the number of deaths in the quarter prior. Northern health unit regions continue to experience the highest annual rates of opioid-related mortality in Ontario; however, Sarnia was among the cities with the highest mortality rates in the first quarter of 2025.
Since 2021, about one in five opioid deaths occurs amongst people experiencing homelessness, public health officials said.
Half of all opioid toxicity deaths occur among people living in areas experiencing the highest level of material resource deprivation
In the event of overdose, individuals are advised to call 911 and to administer naloxone to the user if opiate use is suspected. Do not leave someone who is overdosing alone and stay with them to assist until paramedics arrive.
Other advice for drug users is to avoid using alone and to have a safety plan whereby someone checks on you. Users are advised not to mix drugs, to know the quality of drugs and to be aware of their tolerance level. They can also call the call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) Safer Consumption Hotline at 1-888-688-6677.
To learn more about where you can get a free naloxone kit visit ckphu.com/naloxone. To view the most recent opioid surveillance report visit ckphu.com/opioids.
