Toronto Paramedic Services, responded to 40 reported possible overdose calls including 3 deaths, between January 29 and 30th.
Toronto Public Health reported a record number of opioid overdose deaths in Toronto between January 1 and January 26, 2021 with a record number indicating that there were 30 fatalities. Investigation is still ongoing, leaving the possibility of the number of deaths to go up, according to the city.
“We provide this data with respect and a deep appreciation for what they mean, and how they refer to our loved ones, friends, families and colleagues. The tragic and substantial losses that people have faced from the ongoing drug poisoning crises, and the grief experienced, are immeasurable,” Toronto Public Health said in a news release.
Statement provided by the Toronto Public Health
According to the City of Toronto, in 2020 there were more than 2,000 total Covid-19 deaths and 823 drug related deaths in Toronto.
According to the city, January, 2021, opioid related deaths represent the worst loss of lives to the crises in a single month since Toronto Public Health began monitoring the data since 2017.
In 2020, drug checking services in Toronto found unexpected, highly potent drugs in unregulated drug supply samples which included, carfentanil ( potent fentanyl analogy), etizolam ( a benzodiazepine-related drug), AMB-FUBINACA and ACHMINACA (synthetic cannabinoids), and xylazine ( an animal tranquilizer).
Toronto Public Health is focused on continuing to implement the Toronto Overdose Action Plan.
Toronto Public Health posted 5-step Overdose Response diagram on Twitter
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