Substance Use and Harm Reduction

Recognizing the complex nature of substance use and its far-reaching consequences, the HKPR District Health Unit focuses not only on prevention but also on minimizing the adverse outcomes for individuals and communities. By implementing evidence-based strategies, disseminating knowledge, and fostering supportive environments, the Health Unit's Harm Reduction team endeavors to lessen the harms associated with substance use.

The  HKPR Opioid Overdose Report provides up-to-date information regarding opioid overdoses and deaths in the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County. The report is updated weekly and provides: 

• Suspected and confirmed overdoses/poisonings related to opioids, including statistics from local police services and paramedics.    
• Historical data on confirmed opioid overdose-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths are updated by month, in the region. 
• Anyone can anonymously Report an Overdose or drug poisoning.

If an increase in opioid overdoses/poisonings is detected, an alert is issued informing the community about the increase in poisonings. Enhanced outreach is done with people who use drugs warning them about the problem and distribution of naloxone kits is enhanced.