13 ODs at supervised injection site lead to warning about stronger fentanyl

A spike in overdoses at London's temporary overdose prevention site (TOPS) has officials warning thepublic about the increased strength of fentanyl.

The safety warning comes after 13 overdoses since the beginning of August. The overdosescouldbe linked to heroin/fentanyl that's stronger than ever before, officials warn.

There were eight overdoses in the first five months of the site operating.

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There have been no deaths at the site since it opened inFebruary.

SonjaBurke, director of Counterpoint Harm Reduction Services, said the 13 people were saved because of the prevention site.

"If we don't have this service, people will die," she said.

The temporary overdose prevention site is legally allowed to operate until September 30 after getting anextensionfor its original six-month operation from the province.

Influx of users

As of August 19, the King Street site has seen more than 7,000 visits by 2,000 people, according to a press release.

In the few months the facility has been open, nearly 10 per centof clients have been referred to rehabilitation, officials say.

150 people were successfully connected to addictions treatment, they say.

Health officials and temporary overdose prevention site staff encourage peoplenot to use drugs alone and to haveNaloxoneon them.

Naloxone can be used to reverse an opioid overdose.