Suspected overdose deaths in Waterloo region now up to 68 this year

The number of suspected overdose deaths in Waterloo region has now reached 68 so far this year, according to new data released by regional police.

The total has already surpassed thenumber of suspected deaths for the previous two years. In 2019 there were 63 suspected overdose deaths, and in 2018 there were 61.

The deaths are considered suspected until they have been confirmed by the Office of the Provincial Coroner, a process that can take up to a year. In 2017, there were 86 confirmed deaths due to overdose.

Speaking to CBC News last month, the c-oordinator of the region's integrated drug strategy said a toxic drug supply could be to blame for the increase in suspected fatalities.

"Honestly, it's very concerning," Joanna Han told CBC News.

Han advised people who use drugs to avoid mixing substances, to never use drugs alone, and to "go low and slow" when using drugs. She also urged people to consider training about how to use naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.