Haldimand County paramedic services expanding use of naloxone kits

As of May 1, 2025, all Haldimand County paramedics will be able to provide naloxone kits to at-need and at-risk individuals who may benefit from them. The kits will be distributed to individuals through home visits (i.e. through the Community Paramedic Program) or in the community as needed, following medical assessment.

Medics will carefully assess individuals to determine whether a naloxone kit may benefit them or others close to them. Individuals who are given naloxone kits for future use are connected to additional community supports if interested.

Naloxone – a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose – is distributed at no cost to participating community-based organizations, pharmacies and health agencies (i.e. public health units) through the Ontario Naloxone Program. Haldimand County accesses this provincial initiative in partnership with Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH).

“Being able to distribute these naloxone kits to at-risk individuals supports our continued response to the effects of opioid addiction and provides a mechanism where people can access immediate life-saving support without having to go to the ER,” said Haldimand County Fire Chief and Manager of Emergency Services Jason Gallagher.

More information about the Ontario Naloxone Program, naloxone administration and responding to overdoses is available on the province’s website.