Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township, like many other communities across North America, are currently dealing with an opioid crisis. We are committed to supporting community partners in helping individuals who are experiencing opioid addiction issues.
Drug Use
Never Use Alone
Don’t use drugs alone, and don’t let those around you use alone either. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the same time. If a drug poisoning occurs, having another person nearby can save your life.
Resources:
- Connex Ontario – 24/7 access to information for mental health & addictions services.
- Canadian Mental Health Association Algoma – Mental health and addiction services
- Sault Area Hospital Addiction Services – Offers a continuum of addiction treatment services
- Sault Area Hospital Crisis Services – Offers safe, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care to individuals during a crisis.
- Click here for additional local resources
Needle Disposal
You may come across needles or sharps disposed of improperly. Please remember, sharps may pose a risk of physical harm or serious blood borne infections if handled inappropriately.
In Sault Ste. Marie, if needles are found on public property, citizens may call the Public Works and Engineering Department at 705-759-5201 to arrange for pickup and proper disposal by City staff.
If you choose to dispose of a sharp yourself, please keep the following in mind:
Do Not:
- Touch the object
- Recap a needle
- Bend a needle or sharp
- Purposely break or remove the needle from the syringe
Do:
- Use a pair of tongs, pliers or tweezers to pick up the needle or sharp. It is best to wear rubber gloves.
- Pick the needle up by pointing the needle tip down and away from yourself
- Put the needle in a hard plastic container, like a pop bottle, several millimetres thick with a tight lid and tape the lid shut
Sharps Disposal Bins
- outside the John Howard Society (27 King Street)
- corner of Gore/Albert Street (138 Gore Street)
- outside the Soup Kitchen (172 James Street)
- outside the City Bus Terminal (160 Queen Street)
- outside Algoma Public Health (294 Willow Avenue)
- outside of Pauline’s Place (235 Wellington Street West)
- outside of the Social Services Building (137 East Street)
- outside of Group Health Center (240 McNabb Street)
- outside of the Community Resource Centre (721 Wellington St. E)
Overdose Awareness & Prevention
Know the Signs
A drug poisoning or overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of a drug poisoning and call 9-1-1 right away:
- difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
- blue lips or nails
- very small pupils
- cold and clammy skin
- dizziness and confusion
- extreme drowsiness
- choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
- inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
Don’t Run. Call 911.
Police officers and other first responders carry naloxone and may be able to provide life saving assistance. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during a drug poisoning, including the person experiencing the poisoning. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Naloxone / NARCAN
Naloxone kits DO NOT replace the need for emergency services; calling 911 is still necessary. Once the naloxone wears off, the person is still at risk of overdosing again.
If you suspect someone is overdosing, and you are unsure of what they have taken, you will do no harm by giving naloxone. Side effects are extremely rare.
You can get free naloxone kits from participating pharmacies and community agencies across Algoma.
All Algoma Public Health offices also distribute free naloxone kits to people at risk of overdose or their friends and families who may be in a position to help in an overdose situation You do not need to show your health card.
If you are currently using opioids, or know a friend or family member that is using opioids, consider getting trained in overdose recognition and prevention and get a free naloxone kit.