Windsor-Essex
2023
127
Windsor Essex recorded 127 opioid overdose deaths.
2024
519
519 opioid related emergency department visits (ED).
2024
519
519 opioid overdose related ED visits in Windsor-Essex have been recorded. This number has doubled since 2019.
2026
29
Between June 28th and July 4th of 2026 an elevated number of opioid overdoses occurred in WEC. 29 emergency department visits, 19 of which involved fentanyl.
Chatham-Kent
Hospitalization rates for opioid poisoning in CK are higher than Ontario and the Erie St. Clair region.
2023
16
16 confirmed opioid overdose deaths in CK.
2023
120
120 emergency department visits from opioid poisoning in CK
2026
158
158 opioid overdose EMS calls so far in CK.
Provincial Statistics
January 2023 – December 2025
6,306
Deaths
6,306 confirmed apparent opioid toxicity deaths.
1,398
Opioid Related Deaths
In 2025 1,398 confirmed opioid toxicity deaths.
1,457
Stimulant Toxicity Deaths
In 2025 1,457 apparent stimulant toxicity deaths in Ontario (cocaine, meth, etc.)
668
Suspected Drug Related Deaths
Between April 2026 – June 2026 there were 668 suspected drug related deaths so far.
National Statistics
56,631
Canadians
Canadians have died due to apparent opioid toxicity deaths between January 2016 and December 2025.
82
%
of apparent opioid toxicity deaths.
In 2025 82% of all apparent opioid toxicity deaths involved opioids that were non-pharmacutical.
5,630
Canadians
In 2025, 5,630 people died of apparent opioid toxicity (avg of 15 deaths per day). 96% reported to be accidental.
56% of accidental opioid toxicity deaths involved fentanyl and 60% involved fentanyl analogues.
70% of all opioid toxicity deaths also involved a stimulant in 2025.
Most apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred among males (73%), aged 30 – 39 years (26%) and 40 – 49 years (25%) in 2025.
Data Disclaimer
The statistics reflect the most current data available to the public and may change as new information becomes available.
Why do people use drugs?
- To have self-confidence and feel good
- Availability – some drugs are easier to access as they are cheaper
- Drugs san suppress your appetite, which may be relevant to a person experiencing an eating disorder or experiencing food insecurity
- For persons who are unhoused, stimulants help them stay alert and protect them from theft or assault
- A belief that the drug helps them with their work or school performance
- To help alleviate physical pain
- To help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders
- To numb emotional pain
- To help cope with difficult life situations
International Overdose Awareness Day
Held on August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event meant to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. It was first initiated in 2001 in Australia by SJ Finn who was managing a needle and syringe program at the Salvation Army Crisis Centre in St. Kilda, Victoria. It’s first day saw 6,000 silver ribbons distributed across the country and into New Zealand. Since then, the day has grown and is now recognized in over 40 countries.
If you would like to honour someone lost to an overdose, you may access our online commemorative space (see link: ).
Whatever a person’s reasons are for using drugs, we must understand as both service-providers and community members that these reasons are important and entirely valid. Rather than judge a person for their coping strategies, we should try to “meet them where they are at” and express empathy and compassion.
Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS)
- Consumption and Treatment Services are integral in preventing overdose deaths and the transmission of blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis C and HIV.
Decriminalize & Legalize
- There is a growing consensus among Canadian public health and policy experts that criminal penalties for drug possession has resulted in extremely harmful situations and potential death of persons who use drugs. When persons who use drugs are stigmatized, it reduces their likelihood of accessing health services, including harm reduction services such as needle syringe programs, consumption and treatment services, etc.
- Reducing or removing the penalties can encourage persons who use drugs to be more up front with public health professionals, and more likely to access harm reduction-based services that would reduce the risks of overdose deaths and HIV or Hep C transmissions.
- Decriminalization and/or legalization would save law enforcement dollars that could then be redirected towards education and prevention, as well as social interventions that promote the health of persons who use drugs and their families.
Relevant Resources:
In Memoriam
If you would like to share the name of somebody who you would like to be remembered please fill out the form below.
Click the button below to view the Memoriam Wall.