The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's naloxone program for the faith community has been highly effective.
The health unit reported on Friday that within the past month, over 500 naloxone kits were distributed to Windsor-Essex churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said the program shows concern by faith-based groups over the rising number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the region.
"More than 60 people died of opioid-related overdoses in our community last year," said Nesathurai in a media release. "Naloxone can save lives, and the health unit is pleased that faith-based organizations have come forward to help."
The distribution has had an even higher response rate than originally anticipated, thanks to the existing partnership the health unit has with the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, Essex-Windsor EMS, Family Services Windsor-Essex, and Windsor police.
The health unit said it will continue the faith-based distribution program on an as-requested basis. Places of worship interested in the naloxone kits are asked to complete the form online.