Distribution of fentanyl testing strips part of drug strategy action plan in Brantford-Brant

About 9,000 fentanyl test strips were distributed through a pilot project as part of an action plan to address local substance use issues.

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Distribution of the strips — small pieces of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs – was a pilot project spearheaded by the Brantford-Brant Drug Strategy coordinating committee.

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Expanding access to harm reduction supplies is one of the drug strategy’s goals for 2024.

The Brant County Health Unit recently worked with the County of Brant Public Library to distribute naloxone kits beyond Brantford and into more rural areas. The kits were distributed through library branches in Burford, Glen Morris, Paris Scotland-Oakland and St. George.

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications, when given in time.

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Expanding access to harm reduction supplies is among 18 goals set out in the 2024 Brantford-Brant Drugs Strategy Action Plan. Others includeaunching a drug treatment court, continuing efforts to open a consumption and treatment services site, and better supporting Indigenous people using drugs.

A xylazine test strip pilot project will soon be launched. Xylazine is a non-opioid veterinary tranquillizer that has been found contaminating the opioid supply and may increase the risk of overdose.

Statistics gathered by the Brant County Health Unit indicate there have been 23 opioid-related deaths in Brant in the past six months.

The rate of opioid-related fatalities in Brantford-Brant continues to be about 1.5 times the provincial average. Brant’s rate of emergency department visits for opioid overdose also remains twice the provincial average.

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Addressing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders also remains a top priority for the drugs strategy coordinating committee, said a news release issued by the health unit. Health unit staff are being trained in this area, “laying the foundation for broader community engagement and awareness efforts.”

The training will be evaluated and, if it’s had a measurable impact, will be offered to other community organizations that interact with vulnerable populations.

Moving ahead with another drug strategy goal, the Grand River Community Health Center secured funding in late 2023 to expand midwifery services, with one of the areas of focus on prenatal and postnatal care for people who use substances.

“The objective of this program is to bridge gaps in maternal and newborn care for individuals facing substance use challenges,” said the news release.

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