3 suspected overdose deaths in Waterloo region since Saturday, community drug alert issued

There have been three suspected overdose deaths in Waterloo region since Saturday, a community drug alert issued Thursday says.

One of the suspected overdose deaths was on Monday, two were on Thursday.

The alert from the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy says there's also been an increase in drug poisonings, or overdoses. The alert says a toxic drug supply is behind the drug poisonings, but does not specifically name which drugs could be involved.

The alert from the region's overdose monitoring alert and response system says people who use drugs should keep extra naloxone on hand. If someone has been revived from an overdose but "slips back into a drug poisoning (overdose) state, administer another dose," the alert says.

If someone overdoses, people are advised to call 911.

"Anyone who is involved in a drug poisoning, including the person needing help and anyone at the scene, is protected from simple possession charges if you call 911 by the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act," the alert said.

People can also administer naloxone and perform breath and chest compressions. People should not give someone who is overdosing any other substance because it can make the drug poisoning worse.

People who use drugs are encouraged to use the consumption and treatment site at 150 Duke St. W., in downtown Kitchener.