In an effort to get the word out when potentially deadly drugs are circulating on the streets, people can now anonymously report bad reactions to street drugs by calling 211.
211 Ontario and the Grey Bruce Health Unit are launching the system.
Anyone can call 211 and anonymously report a bad batch of drugs and unintended or unwanted effects of taking a drug, including overdose and Naloxone use.
Those reports can then be shared with local partners who can alert people using drugs about potential hazards.
In a media release, Public Health Manager Ian Reich says, “We wanted to create a safe way that people who use drugs can easily and safely report a toxic substance.”
He adds, “We hope that giving an anonymous voice to those that use these drugs, we can rapidly alert our health and social systems in Grey and Bruce of potentially dangerous street drugs, and ultimately, try to save lives.”
The reporting system is anonymous.
Callers will be encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if that has not already been done at the time of the call and to report concerns to Crime Stoppers or their local police as needed.
The Health Unit says no personal information will be collected. They add, the police do not use this information for investigations or enforcement.
211 is 24-hour national helpline answered by Community Navigators who help people find and access community, social, health and government assistance programs.
