Between 2005 and 2024, Hamilton had a higher rate of opioid-related deaths when compared to the provincial average. In 2024, Hamilton’s rate was 46% higher than the provincial average. This gap decreased between 2018-2021, and again from 2022-2024 (Read More)

Opioids have now emerged as a leading cause of preventable death in Hamilton. Among Hamiltonians aged 20 to 44, the No. 1 cause of death is unintentional poisoning, which includes swallowing, inhaling, absorbing or injecting any substance such as medicines, cleaning chemicals, alcohol, carbon monoxide and drugs. (Read More)

A preventative and proactive approach to combat the drug poisoning crisis in our community is essential. This is where SOPEN steps in. We believe that through community engagement and sharing knowledge in a reciprocal way about overdose prevention, naloxone, safe drug use, and anti-stigma, we are empowering people in our community to help save lives in an overdose situation and to make informed choices about drug use.

Having the necessary tools to respond to a medical emergency, such as an overdose will be vital in saving more lives. Ask yourself:

• Do you know how to recognize an opioid overdose?
• What is naloxone? Where to get naloxone? How to use naloxone?
• What to say after you respond to an overdose with naloxone?
• What is harm reduction?
• How to support people who use drugs?