Paramedic services calls
There were 144 calls for suspected opioid overdose responded to by Halton Region Paramedic Services from January 1 to October 31, 2023. This is higher than the number of calls during this period in 2022 (137 calls), lower than the number of calls in 2021 (156 calls) and the same as 2020 (144 calls).
Emergency department visits
There were 105 visits by Halton residents to an emergency department in Ontario for a confirmed opioid overdose from January 1 to October 31, 2023. This is lower than the number of visits that occurred during this period in 2022 (132 visits), 2021 (134 visits) or 2020 (125 visits). However, data for 2023 are preliminary and subject to underreporting.
Naloxone distribution and use
The Halton Harm Reduction Program directly distributed 464 naloxone kits over the last 12 months. The most kits were distributed in Burlington and Oakville. 240 (52%) of the kits distributed were refill kits.
Opioid-related deaths
There were 11 confirmed opioid-related deaths known to the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario from January to June 2023. This is lower than the number that occurred during this period in 2022 (22 deaths) or 2021 (19 deaths). Data for 2021 onwards are preliminary and subject to change.
Suspect drug-related deaths
There were 41 suspect drug-related deaths among Halton residents from January 1 to October 31, 2023. This is lower than the number that occurred during this period in 2022 (46 deaths) or 2021 (52 deaths), but higher than 2020 (37 deaths). Data are preliminary and subject to change.
Halton compared to Ontario
Rate of emergency department visits
In 2022, the rate of emergency department visits for confirmed opioid overdose among residents of any age was 30.7 visits per 100,000 in Halton (compared to 31.6 during 2021) and 80.2 visits per 100,000 in Ontario (compared to 114.0 during 2021). From 2014 through 2022, the rate of opioid-related ED visits in Halton has been consistently lower compared to Ontario.
Rate of opioid-related deaths
In 2022, the rate of opioid-related deaths among residents of any age was 6.2 deaths per 100,000 in Halton (compared to 6.3 during 2021) and 16.7 deaths per 100,000 in Ontario (compared to 19.1 during 2021). From 2014 through 2022, the rate of opioid-related deaths in Halton has been consistently lower compared to Ontario.
Data source: Opioid-related morbidity and mortality in Ontario tool, Public Health Ontario. Includes preliminary data for 2022.
Opioid reports
Opioid reporting provides a monthly snapshot of opioid activity in Halton Region. The report summarizes various indicators of opioid activity for the given month, including paramedic services calls and emergency department visits.