Drug poisoning on the rise in Brantford-Brant: GEPH

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is warning about a rise in suspected opioid related drug poisonings in Brantford-Brant.

In the first four days of 2026, Brantford Police reported 7 drug-related incidents in the area.

“This is a higher number of drug-related incidents than what is typical for this short period of time,” said an alert from GEPH in collaboration with the Brantford-Brant Community Drugs Strategy.

The substance(s) responsible are unknown.

Public health officials said people should use caution when using any type of drug that isn’t prescribed to you.

“Unregulated drugs may have unpredictable potency or contain unexpected and dangerous contaminants,” GEPH said.

Public health listed ways to reduce your risk of an overdose:

• Try not to use alone. If you must use alone, get someone to check on you either by phone or in person, or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677). NORS will stay on the phone with you while you use drugs and call for help if needed.
• Go slow if you are using a new substance or have purchased your usual substances from a new supplier. Take a small test dose first to see how it is going to affect you.
• Purchase from a trusted supplier if possible. Be especially careful if you have recently switched suppliers.
• Carry naloxone, even if you do not expect to be using opioids. Remember that your drug may be contaminated with fentanyl or other high-potency opioids even if you are not expecting an opioid.
• Test drugs intended for use. Test strips that can detect fentanyl or xylazine are currently available from SOAR Community Services’ locations at 133 Elgin St. and 1-225 Fairview Dr., and the Positive Health Network Van. Using test strips can help to reduce the risk of overdose.

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