By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
Chatham-Kent Public Health issued its second alert regarding drug overdoses in Chatham-Kent in the last month.
Public Health released a public alert last Friday afternoon about an increase in drug poisonings and unexpected reactions to substances in Chatham-Kent. The concern was based on elevated opioid-related EMS calls over the last several days.
There are reports about the presence of strong tranquillizers in the local drug supply, resulting in heavy sedation.
Public Health issued a statement on Jan. 29 regarding the evidence of a veterinary sedative in the local illicit drug supply that led to an increase in overdoses and unexpected reactions to substances.
Partners and people with lived experience are concerned that Medetomidine may be present in the local drug supply, contributing to increased risk of drug poisoning.
Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative, similar to xylazine (tranquillizer), but significantly stronger.
Health officials said multiple doses of naloxone may be necessary to reverse an overdose.
Medetomidine can cause deep sleepiness, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, very low or no pulse, and hallucinations.
Withdrawal can occur rapidly, within hours of last use and peak within 18-36 hours.
Medetomidine withdrawal is considered a medical emergency and may require hospitalization.“This serves as an important reminder that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing,” read a statement from Public Health. “Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death.”
In its latest Opioid Surveillance Report, Public Health said that January had the highest number of EMS calls, Emergency Department visits and suspected drug deaths since the summer of 2024.
Chatham-Kent EMS responded to 35 suspected opioid poisoning calls and nine non-opioid overdose calls in January.
EMS responded to 164 opioid poisoning calls and 114 non-opioid drug overdose calls in total during 2025.
There were also 20 opioid poisoning visits to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Emergency Department in January.
Public Health reported 109 ED visits in 2025, a rate of 97.3 percent per 100,000 people, while the Ontario average was 58.6 percent per 100,000.
Public Health reported 12 suspected drug-related deaths in the three-month period from November 2025 to January 2026.
There were 23 suspected drug-related deaths in 2025. Public Health also reported five confirmed/probable opioid poisoning deaths between August and October in 2025, and nine in total in 2025.
In 2025, Chatham-Kent experienced higher rates of suspected drug and opioid deaths and a higher rate of opioid ED visits compared to Ontario.
Public Health noted that men and individuals aged 30-59 are most affected.
The report also stated that half of all opioid toxicity deaths occur among people living in areas experiencing the highest level of poverty.
The CKPH unit reminds the public that in case of an overdose:
– Call 911;
– Give naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected (it may take more than one dose);
– Do not leave the person unattended;
– Stay with and assist the person until paramedics arrive.
To learn more about where you can get a free naloxone kit, visit www.ckphu.com/harm-reduction. To view the most recent Opioid Surveillance Report, visit www.ckphu.com/opioids
