May 7, 2026
Brantford, Ontario – In response to a significant rise in suspected overdoses in the community over the past several weeks, Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is expanding its harm reduction efforts and working with partners to help reduce risk and prevent further harm.
A total of 65 overdoses were reported by Brantford Police in April, marking the highest monthly figure since reporting from this data source began in 2020. In addition, there were four suspected drug-related deaths reported during this time.
The current spike in overdoses is believed to be linked to contamination of the unregulated fentanyl supply by medetomidine (also known as ‘tranq’), and benzodiazepines. Recent drug checking data from Toronto’s Drug Checking Service shows that between April 4-17:
- 87 per cent of expected fentanyl samples contained at least one additional central nervous system depressant, such as veterinary tranquilizers or benzodiazepines
- 46 per cent of the expected fentanyl samples contained a combination of a high-potency opioid, a veterinary tranquilizer (most commonly medetomidine), and a benzodiazepine-related drug
While high-quality data is not available for the drug supply in our region, GEPH believes that the local drug supply is likely similar to Toronto’s.
This combination significantly increases the risk of an overdose. While benzodiazepine-related drugs and medetomidine do not respond to naloxone, naloxone should still always be administered when an overdose is suspected. Naloxone will reverse the opioid “portion” of the overdose, even if an individual may still be experiencing the effects of non-opioid drugs.
A similar trend has been observed locally at Brantford General Hospital’s Emergency Department, which saw 65 opioid overdose-related visits in April – the highest monthly total in the last four years.
In response, community partners, including those involved in the Lighthouse Community Strategy and the Brantford-Brant Community Drug Strategy, have expanded outreach efforts and the distribution of harm reduction supplies such as naloxone and drug test strips.
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has also expanded services to improve access to supports:
- Hours of operation have been expanded at The DROP, 185 Robinson St., Simcoe. The space is now open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until May 15 for the community to access free safer-use supplies, naloxone kits, drug test strips, and practical supports
- Expanded distribution of medetomidine test strips through community partners
Residents are encouraged to learn the signs of overdose and call 911 immediately in an emergency. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for those seeking help.
For more information about opioids, including what to do if someone has an overdose and where to access harm reduction services, please visit www.bchu.org/where-to-get-help or www.hnhu.org/harm-reduction-services
To see the latest opioid-related surveillance dashboard, please visit www.bchu.org/bb-opioid-surveillance
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Quote(s):
“We are seeing an alarming shift in the unregulated drug supply, with increasingly potent and unpredictable combinations of substances contributing to a sharp rise in overdoses in our community. This is a critical moment for awareness, action, and compassion. Carrying naloxone, avoiding using substances by yourself, and accessing harm reduction services can save lives. We are working closely with our community partners to expand access to supports. By working together, we can help prevent further loss of lives and connect people to the care they need.”
- Dr. Jason Malenfant, Medical Officer of Health, Grand Erie Public Health
Grand Erie Public Health
As one of Ontario’s public health units, we are determined defenders of community health. Our public health focus on prevention, protection, and promotion contributes to healthier outcomes across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk.
We are unshakeable in our commitment to being a trusted and authentic source of public health knowledge, guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards. We safeguard the well-being of everyone – no matter who they are or where they come from.