KITCHENER -- The Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy says there has been an increase in overdoses reported in the region over the past week.
Region of Waterloo Paramedics said they responded to 40 overdose-related calls in the last week, including 11 overdoses that happened over a 36-hour period.
"Each one of these calls takes a toll on our staff and police, whoever responds to it," said Rob Crossan, deputy chief of Region of Waterloo Paramedics.
They note there were three suspected overdose-related deaths during this time frame.
"Unfortunately in a lot of the opioid deaths that we get, when we arrive at the scene it's already too late," Crossan said.
Crossan said they responded to 139 opioid overdoses in November.
There have also been reports of purple fentanyl circulating in Waterloo Region. Officials are warning that certain drugs may be stronger than expected and can contain substances that cause unexpected reactions.
"It's extremely potent, it's extremely toxic," Crossan said.
WRIDS is reminding residents to never use alone.
"Isolation along with opioid use leads to bad outcomes," Crossan said.
People can visit the Consumption and Treatment Services site at 150 Duke St. W., which is open seven days a week.
With reporting by CTV News Kitchener's Heather Senoran
