Health officials warn of fentanyl on P.E.I. following 2 overdoses in 24 hours
Health officials and police on Prince Edward Island are warning Islanders about the presence of a highly potent opioid, fentanyl, in the province.
The warning comes after two confirmed accidental overdoses, and one possible overdose, involving the drug in the Summerside area in 24 hours.
“I think fentanyl reaches all corners, and Summerside’s no different than anywhere else,” said Cpl. Dale Cornish with the Summerside Police.
According to a news release from the province, no deaths have been reported in relation to these incidents.
“Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine and has caused accidental overdoses and death in individuals who consume street drugs,” said Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison in a news release.
This isn’t the first time officers in Summerside have issued a warning about fentanyl.
“Given the fact that we’ve had a couple here within a very short span it certainly seems important to send that notice out again. I mean it’s something you’d want people to be aware of all the time.”
Naloxone, sold often under the brand Narcan, is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids.
“Carrying naloxone and informing others who may use drugs that naloxone is available across Prince Edward Island are important steps to reduce the risk of possible accidental overdoses,” said Morrison.
If someone feels they need a naloxone kit, the province says they can contact the provincial Needle Exchange Program online.
They say free kits are also available to clients of mental health and addictions programs, and select community groups.
“Anybody who’s going to be taking opioids of that sort should make sure that they have somebody with them at all times, and certainly somebody that’s capable of administering naloxone, and at the first sign of anything going wrong to make sure they call 911 and seek medical system,” said Cornish.
Remote (phone-based) overdose response services are also available, including the National Overdose Response Service and Brave.
Both services are available 24/7 and are free and confidential.
Sgt. Jason Blacquiere of the Summerside Police Services says it is concerning to see fentanyl circulating in the community.
“We are being vigilant in our response and continue to work with our partners to ensure there are safe and healthy communities across the province,” he said.
Police say they are continuing their investigation into these incidents. They’re asking anyone with information related to the overdoses, or other drug-related information, to contact the Summerside Police Services at 902-432-1201.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.