The Grey Bruce Health Unit hopes a Fentanyl patch return program will reduce the number of fentanyl overdose deaths in the region.

The Patch for Patch program requires patients to return used patches to the pharmacy before they can receive a new one.

In Grey Bruce, nine deaths have occurred due to fentanyl overdose between 2010 and 2014.

“Misuse of fentanyl patches is linked to a growing number of overdoses. Our goal is to increase community safety by keeping fentanyl in the hands of the patients for whom it is prescribed, ” according to Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn.

The chief coroner reports 549 deaths associated with fentanyl in Ontario between 2009 and 2013.

Together, the Grey Bruce Health Unit, Owen Sound Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, West Grey Police Service, Saugeen Shores Police Service, Hanover Police Service, local physicians and pharmacists are implementing a Fentanyl Patch Return Program in Grey Bruce. Similar programs have proven successful in many other communities across the province.