Rate of fatal drug overdoses higher in northern Ont.

New statistics released by Sudbury’s health unit show northern Ontario is seeing more toxic drug overdoses than the rest of the province.

Statistics released by Public Health Sudbury & Districts, based on data from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, show higher rates of toxic drug overdoses in the Sudbury area and northern Ontario than the rest of the province.

The rates are more than triple the number in southern Ontario for drug toxicity deaths. The numbers show that from January to September of this year, there have been 89 suspected drug-related deaths in the Sudbury Manitoulin Districts alone.

“In addition to the toxic drug crisis, our substances may be different in the north,” said public health nurse Tina McKinnon.

“But we also know we may have a lack of access to health services, mental health services (and) treatment and addiction services.”

Public Health said it’s sharing the information to increase awareness of health in the community and the impact of the toxic drug crisis.

It’s also to honour those who have lost their lives, the majority of whom died alone.

This week, Public Health issued a warning about heavier sedation in overdoses linked to substances in the illicit drug supply.