NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
ORILLIA - Over the past six weeks, the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has seen a significant increase in drug overdoses within the Orillia OPP detachment area.
Since Aug. 1, 2017, members of Orillia OPP have responded to approximately 22 calls for service related to drug overdoses. This is compared to 10 for the rest of 2017. This is a significant increase and is cause for concern.
While the Orillia OPP encourages all persons to be drug free and promotes a drug free community, however it is apparent that there are still people in our communities who choose to use illegal substances or abuse prescription drugs.
Recreational drug use is not a safe practice. Highly potent drugs are commonly misrepresented or mixed with other drugs and their use can have deadly outcomes.
The Orillia OPP along with the Orillia OPP Crime Unit and Orillia OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) strives to foster positive relationships with community partners in order to address the increase in calls for service related to drug overdoses.
Information is currently being gathered with input from key stakeholders in order to develop an integrated drug strategy aimed at minimizing the risk of harm to community members.
Community services are available to those who wish to have assistance for drug addiction. Addictions services are available through Canadian Mental Health Association by calling 705-325-4999 or by attending The Royal Victorian Hospital (RVH) in Barrie to participate in their Withdrawal Management Services.
*************************
