A real-time overdose alert system is coming to the area.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is launching the system on Monday.

It collects information about overdoses and other negative drug reactions reported by agencies who respond to an overdose, or hear about an overdose from their clients.

Along with building a detailed understanding of local drug patterns, it will allow the Health Unit to look at the data for surges or abnormalities that may result in a community alert.

“An alert will be shared with community partners, EMS, police services, fire departments, and other stakeholders with the goal that a more comprehensive understanding of overdoses and negative drug reactions will inform service delivery and reduce the number of drug-related harms,” explains Auburn Larose, Epidemiologist.

Officials say aggregate data will be shared weekly with all organizations who provide naloxone kits, members of the Parry Sound Drug Strategy, and the North Bay & Area Drug Strategy.

“We’re excited to participate in this new data system. The collection of overdose and negative drug reaction data will assist our paramedics by helping us understand what drugs are out there,” said Guy Harris from Parry Sound District Emergency Medical Services.

The pilot project may develop into a permanent system, depending on it’s success.

This is phase two of a pilot from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

 

(Photo by station staff)

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