A warning from the Chief of Superior North EMS the opioid drug problem gripping Canada and Thunder Bay will target anyone, anywhere.
Wayne Gates tells us his crews are responding to two calls a day this year, last year it was one a day.
“There are no boundaries here where these types of calls are occurring. And it happens at all levels of society, whether you’re making $200,000 a year, or you’re on aid, or a pension, or whatever.”
Stats from Public Health Ontario show there were 44 deaths in the Thunder Bay area last year, the year before it was 31.
“It’s not uncommon for us to see a death occurring about every 10 days now, here in the Thunder Bay area. Plus the age group of these people, a lot of them are in the prime of their lives, anywhere from 18 year olds, up to 50 and 60 year olds.”
The Chief adds there are many groups in Thunder Bay trying to fight this, including the safe injection site and Drug Strategy.
He’s also appealing for you to act if your gut tells you someone may be fighting drug addiction, as family members know best.
“If something doesn’t seem right, or seem off, be honest and have an honest conversation with them and ask. Often people end up having a drug addiction and they’re embarrassed about it.”
Gates adds it really started about 6 to 7 years ago out west, particularly the Vancouver area, and has crept into Ontario.
He adds it’ll take time to fight this problem, as criminals are profiting from selling the drugs, and wreaking havoc on our communities.
