56 suspected drug-related deaths recorded in Brantford-Brant in 2024

Three suspected drug-related deaths were reported in Brantford-Brant in December, according to statistics from Grand Erie Public Health.

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That compares to one death in November and six in October.

Total drug-related deaths recorded by the health unit in 2024 were 56, including 23 involving suspected opioids. There were 38 deaths in 2023 believed to involve opioid overdoses and 50 in 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, six people who died of suspected drug-related overdoses were living in private buildings; one was living in a residential care facility, including a group home; one was homeless and not living in a shelter; and one was living in a local motel/hotel. The living arrangements of another person are pending.

Brantford police reported the death of two people at a homeless encampment located near Clarence and Greenwich streets in Eagle Place late last month.

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The cause of their deaths wasn’t revealed but police urged people in the community “to prioritize safe drug use and to reach out to local substance use services for support and resources.”

The health unit statistics show that of those who died of suspected drug-related deaths in the last six months, 59 per cent were male and 41 per cent female.

Deaths in the fourth quarter of 2024 include two in the 25 to 34 age range; two aged 35 to 44; three aged 45 to 54 and three 55 and over.

The Brantford-Brant Community Drugs Strategy Committee released a progress report last September that included “achievements, key milestones and ongoing initiatives in the continued effort to reduce the harms of substance use and enhance community health and safety.”

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The committee is made up of partnership of public health agencies and municipal organizations, including the health unit, SOAR Community Services, Positive Health Network, Brantford Police Services, Grand River Community Health Centre, Brantford Substance Users Network, Brant Community Healthcare System, City of Brantford, County of Brant, and Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services.

The progress report includes:

• Launch of zylazine test strip pilot project:
  Addresses the contamination of the opioid supply by xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer that increases the risk of overdose and complicated wound healing. Test strips are available to the public through the Positive Health Network van; SOAR Community Services; and Grand River Community Health Center.

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• Educational video on consumption and treatment services:
  The video, released by the Drugs Strategy’s CTS Working Group, highlights the importance of consumption and treatment services sites. The video can be seen on the Grand River Community Health Centre’s Youtube channel.

• Targeted presentation to seniors on opioid use and naloxone:
  The first presentation aimed at seniors highlights the stigma older adults face and their need for better education regarding overdose response.

• Joint working groups with Brantford Brant Norfolk Ontario Health Team:
  They include a pilot project focusing on cross-sector screening for substance use disorder with a goal to streamline referrals; and an evaluation of clinical pathways, which will evaluate the current state of clinical pathways for substance use disorder care, identify opportunities to address gaps, and provide recommendations for projects to improve the integration and coordination of services.

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