CTV News: Weekend Overdose Spike in Waterloo Region

KITCHENER – A warning has been issued by the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS) after an increase in overdose calls.

In a press release, the organization said emergency services responded to 21 overdose related calls this weekend, including a suspected overdose death.

Officials add that there have been 1,244 overdose-related calls to emergency services in Waterloo Region so far this year. This number is already higher than the total for all of 2020, which was a five-year high.

“For staff, that means they can’t do the other work that they’re there to do,” said Michael Parkinson with the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council. “It really is a medical emergency on a population level.”

The unexpected reactions include extreme drowsiness and lethargy even after naloxone is administered, and benzodiazepines may be in the local drug supply, according to officials.

They warn substances circulating in Waterloo Region may be stronger than expected and contain substances that cause unexpected reactions.

WRIDS is asking those who are using substances to not use alone, and to access the consumption and treatment services site at 150 Duke St. West in Kitchener.

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