Release:
This report came from a community source regarding Fentanyl causing multiple overdoses and suspected overdoses
| Location/community of where the drug was used | Cumberland County -Northern Zone |
| Date and time when the drug was used | Friday May 29th-Monday June 1st |
| Name(s) of the drug (i.e. what was assumed to be used) | Fentanyl |
| Description of the drug and its packaging | No description available |
| How the drug was used | No description available |
| Observed reaction of the drug used | Adverse reaction-Fast acting overdose |
| Test-strip results (if used) |
How to Stay Safe: Let someone know, start low, and go slow
Do NOT use drugs alone – Use with someone you trust or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS. They will stay on the phone with you while you use, so they can get you help if needed.
Start with a very small amount – These drugs are stronger than what people may expect or may be used to.
Have naloxone ready – Naloxone can help with opioid overdoses, but it will NOT work on other substances, such as benzodiazepines. Even if you’re unsure what substance caused an overdose, always give naloxone—it won’t harm the person, but it may help if opioids are involved.
Call 911 immediately for any overdose – Even if naloxone is used, emergency help is still needed.
Expect the unexpected – Always assume street drugs may not be what you think and contain drugs different from or stronger than you expect. Pills that look like real medicine could be fake. Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Go to an overdose prevention site – If available in your area, these sites provide a safe space to use drugs with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency.
- ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370)
- PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766)
If someone overdoses:
- Call 911 immediately – Tell them someone is unresponsive.
- Give naloxone if you have it. More than one dose may be needed if high potency opioids are involved. If there are no opioids, naloxone will be ineffective but will not cause harm – give it anyway.
- Stay with them and make sure they can breathe.
- If they stop breathing, perform CPR until help arrives.
Get Free Naloxone Kits:
You can get naloxone for free at most pharmacies and harm reduction programs. To learn more, visit: 
Take Home Naloxone
Looking for help?
Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868; Text CONNECT to 686868
Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service – (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 pm) – 1-855-922-1122
211 Nova Scotia – information and referrals to community and social services: Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; Email: help@ns.211.ca
For more information:
For more information about Nova Scotia Health’s Drug Harms Alert system, how to sign up to receive alerts, and how to submit an alert, please visit our website at https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health/harm-reduction
