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CTV News
21 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Toxic drug supply causing complex overdoses in Sudbury
Officials are warning that street drugs are being mixed with other substances, making Naxalone ineffective to combat overdoses. Officials are warning that street drugs are being mixed with other substances, making Naxalone ineffective to combat overdoses. Outreach workers and Public Health Sudbury and Districts say toxic overdoses have been increasing in the area lately. Officials said illegal drugs are being cut with substances that Naloxone -- a medication for opioid overdoses – can't reverse. Naxalone Officials said illegal drugs are being cut with substances that Naloxone -- a medication for opioid overdoses – can't reverse. (Alana Everson/CTV News) In May, the Go Give Project said it handed out about 220 Naloxone kits, a fast-acting medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. But Ali Farooq, The Go Give Project co-founder, said it only works on opioid overdoses. Increase in toxic overdoses 'While it will reverse the effects of the opioid that the individual is suffering, it will not have any other effect on any other contaminants or additives to the supply,' Farooq said. He said outreach workers are seeing an increase in toxic overdoses, which he attributed to a more toxic drug supply. 'This usually ties in when we have big drug busts in the province and around the country,' Farooq said. 'It limits the supply coming in and therefore we find more and more contaminants mixed in with the drugs going out onto the streets.' Sam Mortimer Public Health nurse Sam Mortimer said it's a reminder of just how toxic the unregulated drug supply is and making overdoses more complex. (Alana Everson/CTV News) Public Health said it's a reminder of just how toxic the unregulated drug supply is and making overdoses more complex. 'Those sedatives and tranquilizers that have been added into the supply in recent years increase those effects,' said public health nurse Sam Mortimer. 'We are seeing people who are staying asleep or sedated for a lot longer, which puts them at a greater risk. And it also decreases their ability to breathe, which, again, puts them at risk for respiratory distress or arrest.' Health unit officials said it's still vitally important to administer Naloxone in an overdose, call 911 and give rescue breaths while waiting for help.
CTV News
04-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Sudbury homeless crisis hits record high amid warmer weather
Greater Sudbury's homeless population hits a record 300 nightly, with people living in 34 encampments accross the city and shelters full. The number of people living in encampments in Greater Sudbury has surged, with local charities and city officials reporting unprecedented demand for services. Go-Give homeless The Go Give Project, a mobile outreach charity assisting the homeless, says it is now helping close to 300 people nightly – the highest number in its history. The organization's programs manager, Ali Farooq and exectutive director, Evie Ali, are shown standing next to the office's exterior sign. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario) The Go-Give Project, a mobile outreach charity assisting the homeless, says it is now helping close to 300 people nightly – the highest number in its history. 'This has been a very big jump and a very quick jump,' said Ali Farooq, the Programs Manager for the Go-Give Project. 'Last year, we were seeing just under 200 people. One of our busiest nights was just over 200, but this summer there has been a boom in individuals that we have been serving.' During daytime operations, outreach workers report more than 150 daily interactions with homeless individuals on the streets and in encampments. 'A general lack of places where our unhoused folks can congregate and spend the day,' Farooq said. The City of Greater Sudbury confirms a 34 per cent increase in encampment residents compared to last year. 'We are aware of 200 people actually living in encampments across 34 locations in the City of Greater Sudbury, and that is an increase of 34 per cent over last year at this time,' said Gail Spencer, the coordinator of shelters and homelessness for the city. Shelters are at capacity, but Spencer said outreach workers help connect people with available resources. 'We certainly encourage people to use all the public spaces that are available to them,' Spencer said. 'The Samaritan Centre is open during the day for access to washrooms and food and showers and water and things like that and just to get out of the sun.' The Go-Give Project also operates the Welcoming Streets program, which responds to non-emergency calls about social disturbances downtown. Farooq said calls have increased, exacerbated by addiction issues and a lack of basic amenities. 'Given the combination of drug use as well as addictions, it does intensify the interactions,' Farooq said. 'Also, access to bathrooms, access to clean drinking water – it's a constant need and a need that needs to be fulfilled.' The city said client navigators distribute reusable water bottles, and downtown water fountains are available. However, with rising temperatures and more people living outdoors. The Go Give Project is appealing for bottled water donations.
