Grey Bruce Public Health has issued an overdose alert following two fatal opioid related deaths within the last 48 hours.
Pending coroner confirmation, the health unit says the deaths are in addition to at least seven other fatal overdoses this year alone.
"In this situation, it is assumed that fentanyl or carfentanil are involved, and in one situation, a yellow chalk-like product is suspected to be the cause," read a statement on Tuesday from Grey Bruce Public Health. "Other reports indicate substances of differing colours, such as purple, green, and pink."
Public health officials are also advocating for the use of the Overdose Prevention Line. The service can be utilized if a person is using drugs by themselves, in an effort to prevent fatal overdoses. An operator will stay on the line with the individual and will call for help if the person becomes unresponsive. Overdose prevention operators can be reached at 1-888-853-8542.
In the last two years, the region has reported 34 opioid related deaths.
"We all need to act together, collectively, to address this issue," said Ian Reich, Grey-Bruce's Harm Reduction Manager. "It is much more than a simple drug use issue, it is systemic, and the root of addiction must be addressed to ultimately tackle this epidemic. This is a health, social, and system issue, and as a result, so must the solution."