Sault emergency doctors now distributing naloxone kits

Sault Area Hospital emergency department doctors are now giving naloxone kits to patients on an "as needed" basis. 

Naloxone is an antidote that can reverse the potentially fatal effects of an overdose from opioids such as codeine, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, heroin, methadone and others.

“This program is a vital component of our Integrated Health Care strategy, addressing the urgent need to combat opioid overdoses," said Ila Watson, SAH president and CEO, in a written report to the hospital’s board of directors at its most recent meeting. "By providing naloxone kits directly to at-risk patients, we equip them and their loved ones with a lifesaving tool that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.” 

Naloxone kits are available at many local pharmacies.

Algoma Public Health offices throughout the Sault and Algoma District distribute naloxone kits to those at risk, their family members or friends.

APH data shows that the number of emergency department visits due to opioid overdoses and deaths attributed to opioids per 100,000 persons is higher in Algoma than the rest of the province.

“Our Emergency Department began distributing naloxone kits at the beginning of March 2024," wrote SAH spokesperson Brandy Sharp Young, in an email to SooToday. "Our reporting is quarterly. So far, during this quarter (April, May, June), we have distributed 12 kits."

It is hoped that local resources such as the Northway Wellness Centre — a 20-bed residential withdrawal management facility to help those battling mental health and addictions crises that opened on Old Garden River Road in September 2023 — will help hospital clients struggling with opioid addiction.