Lambton EMS has seen a drop in the number of opioid-related overdose calls since the height of the pandemic.
In its monthly Opioid Surveillance Bulletin, Lambton Public Health said Lambton EMS responded to a total of 240 overdose related calls last year, compared to 301 in 2021. However, the number of calls is still significantly higher than 69 recorded just four years ago.
The rate of emergency department visits for opioid overdose in Lambton County was higher than the provincial rate with a total of 160 last year.
Lambton Public Health said from January to November 2022, there were 30 local opioid related deaths, although data is still preliminary.
Drug users are reminded that free naloxone kits are available at Lambton Public Health and at local pharmacies.
The health unit distributed a total of 5,880 kits last year.