A group of St. Patrick's Day revellers lined up outside of The Ceeps on Richmond Row, March 17, 2017. (Photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News.)A group of St. Patrick's Day revellers lined up outside of The Ceeps on Richmond Row, March 17, 2017. (Photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News.)
London

Health Unit Issues St. Patrick's Day Warning

Local health officials are asking anyone whose St. Patrick's Day celebrations include drugs to plan ahead to ensure the day doesn't end in tragedy.

The Middlesex London Health Unit said Friday there has been an increase in the number of suspected opioid-related overdoses in the region over the last few weeks. That, coupled with reports of street drugs being mixed with the deadly opioid fentanyl, has the health unit urging revellers not to party alone.

"While we may be seeing an increase in overdoses, we know that we could see a spike in drug use (Saturday) that could have tragic consequences,” said Dr. Chris Mackie, medical officer of health at the Middlesex London Health Unit. “If you’re going to be partying hard tomorrow and opioid drugs factor into your plans, do not use alone and make sure to have a Naloxone kit with you.”

Taking a few minutes ahead of the Irish holiday to contemplate personal safety could reduce the risk of injury, overdose, or death, the health unit said in a release.

Kits that contain Naloxone, a drug that can reverse an opioid-related overdose, are available at the health unit and local pharmacies across the province.

The advice to party responsibly comes as the health unit continues to work with other local agencies to curb the opioid crisis in the city. In February a temporary overdose prevention site was opened within the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection office at 186 King St.

London police intend to step-up patrols in the downtown and student neighbourhoods around Western University and Fanshawe College on Saturday. They have asked partiers to be respectful and to obey the law.

“We want people to enjoy themselves but if they are going to celebrate the day, we just ask that they do so responsibly,” said Deputy Chief Steve Williams. “We will be fair but we will be enforcing the law. Public safety is our number one priority.”

Traditionally, partiers begin trickling into the downtown before noon on St. Patrick's Day, forming long lines outside of Richmond Row bars. The influx of people tends to spill into the streets as the day wears on. In student neighbourhoods around Western and Fanshawe, house parties can quickly escalate into loud street gatherings.

Police anticipate the first St. Patrick's Day to fall on a Saturday in six years to be a busy one as the forecast calls for sunshine and a mild daytime high of plus 4 C.

Officers will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking, drinking in public, and public intoxication.

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