Overdose deaths prompt Grand Erie Public Health alert
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Skip to ContentNewsLocal NewsCanadaProvincialWorldSpecial-SectionsSportsLocal SportsBaseballBasketballFootballCurlingHockeyAuto RacingOther SportsEntertainmentLocal EntertainmentMoviesMusicTelevisionBooksGamingCelebritiesLifeTravelHealthFoodComicsPuzzlesAdviceOpinionColumnEditorialLettersAll NewspapersAdvertisingAdvertising With UsAdvertising SolutionsPostmedia Ad ManagerSponsorship RequestsClassifiedsObituariesBusiness AdsLives ToldShoppingJobsDrivingOntario FarmerHealthingPuzzmoDiversionsComicsPuzzlesNewslettersProfileSettingsMy SubscriptionsNewslettersCustomer ServiceFAQNewsSportsEntertainmentLifeOpinionAll NewspapersBusiness AdsShoppingJobsDrivingHealthingPuzzmoNewslettersNewsLocal NewsOverdose deaths prompt Grand Erie Public Health alertGrand Erie Public Health has issued a drug alert following four recent overdose deathsPublished Jun 20, 2026•1 minute readGrand Erie Public Health has issued a drug alert following four recent overdose deaths. Photo by Darren Makowichuk/DARREN MAKOWICHUK/PostmediaAn alert has been issued by Grand Erie Public Health following four drug-related deaths over the past week. Grand Erie Public health officials say the deaths took place June 9 – 15 with two occurring in Brantford-Brant while the other two took place in Haldimand-Norfolk. Recommended VideosThree of the deaths took place between June 12 to 15 and public health officials say that’s a higher number of drug-related deaths than is typical for this time frame. “Most of these incident involved individuals using opioids,” public health officials said in a statement. “The unregulated opioid supply is highly contaminated, often with non-opioid drugs, and the best available evidence suggests this contamination is contributing to the high rates of overdose. ”Public health officials are advising people to be cautious about using any drug not prescribed. Those who are new to drug use are particularly at risk, public health officials say. Unregulated drugs are unpredictable with respect to potency or they could contain unexpected and dangerous contaminants. Meanwhile, public officials say those who see someone having an overdose: call 911 immediately and give the person Naloxone. Calling 911 is essential because Naloxone reverses the effects of an overdose from opioid, it can wear off before the person has completely recovered. Those who use drugs can protect themselves from an overdose by ensuring they are not alone when using and purchasing from a trusted supplier if possible. They can also take a small test dose to determine the drug’s impact and carry Naloxone. Drug test strips that can detect opioids can also help reduce the risk of overdose. They are available at SOAR Community Services, 133 Elgin St and 1-225 Fairview Dr. in Brantford and the DROP at 185 Robinson St. in Simcoe from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Test strips are also available through The Positive Health Network Van by sending a text to (289) 440-4912 for Brantford-Brant, or (289) 440-4903 for Haldimand, Norfolk, and Six Nations. Vball@postmedia. com@EXPVBallJoin the ConversationThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more aboutcookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy.