Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is extending a community drug alert following a continued increase in drug-related emergency department visits across the region.
Between August 22 and September 3, 2026, there were 51 emergency department visits in Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk. Additionally, seven suspected drug-related deaths were reported across the region in August.
Many of the recent incidents and emergency department visits involved opioids or medetomidine. The unregulated drug supply can contain unexpected substances, including non-opioid drugs and drugs of unknown potency. Evidence from across Ontario suggests that contamination of the unregulated drug supply continues to contribute to high rates of overdose.
GEPH is urging people to use caution when taking any drug that has not been prescribed to them. Those who are new to drug use may be at greater risk because unregulated drugs can have unpredictable potency and contain dangerous contaminants. Test strips available through, SOAR Community Services, the Positive Health Network Van, and the DROP can help identify contaminants such as fentanyl and medetomidine in unregulated drugs.
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and give naloxone if available, even if the person did not intend to use opioids. Naloxone temporarily reverses overdoses caused by opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, methadone and morphine, as well as non-opioid drugs contaminated with opioids. It will not harm someone who has not used opioids. Naloxone can wear off before the person fully recovers, so always call 911 and remain with them until Emergency Medical Services arrives.
