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Province providing free naloxone kits in workplaces

December 22, 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Ontario government is launching a program to make free naloxone kits and free training available at workplaces where there is a risk of staff witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose.

In 2021, 2,819 people died from opioid-related causes in Ontario. This is the highest number on record.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing within two to five minutes, allowing time for medical help to arrive.

“Ontario, like the rest of Canada, is in the middle of an opioid epidemic made worse by a toxic supply of recreational street drugs,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government is the first in North America to require naloxone kits be accessible in at-risk workplaces by June 1, 2023, to raise awareness for those struggling with addiction, reduce stigma, and save lives.”

Of the workers who died from opioid-related causes last year, 30 per cent were employed in construction. This is by far the most impacted industry. Bars and nightclubs have also seen increased opioid usage and accidental overdoses.

Recreational drugs can be laced with deadly opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil, leading to unexpected overdose deaths.

“Our new Workplace Naloxone Program, as part of our Narcotic Transition Services, will save lives,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Everyone in Ontario deserves access to these kits, and this innovative program will bring a new level of safety to our province’s workplaces.”

For up to two years, Ontario will provide free nasal spray naloxone kits to businesses at risk of opioid overdoses through the Workplace Naloxone Program, and free training to equip staff with the tools to respond to an opioid overdose.

Businesses can determine if they are eligible for the program and find additional information on accessing naloxone kits and training at Ontario.ca/workplacenaloxone.

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