Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy

06/18/2026

You Matter. New youth-focused resources are now available, providing information on local supports and safer substance use practices.

The resources can be accessed and downloaded through the WGDS website: https://wgdrugstrategy.ca/2022/10/youmatterusesafely/

Please share widely

06/12/2026

Pride is about showing up as your authentic self. Whether you're celebrating sober, in recovery, practicing moderation, or making changes in your relationship with substances, you belong here.

06/11/2026

06/09/2026

Substance use looks different for everyone, and can change over time.

The substance use spectrum helps us understand this range, from non-use to beneficial use, lower-risk and higher-risk use, and substance use disorder. People may move between these stages, with different needs at each point.

That’s why a full range of supports matters - meeting people where they are helps reduce harm and support health at every stage.

06/08/2026

Calling students in grades 9–12! There’s still time to book your spot in the one-day P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) program on July 13!

What is the P.A.R.T.Y. program?
P.A.R.T.Y. takes you behind the scenes of a real trauma journey, from paramedics rushing a patient through the doors, to hospital care, rehab, and sometimes recovery. Students hear real stories from police, paramedics, doctors, nurses, rehab specialists, and injury ambassadors.

💡 Did you know 90% of injuries are predictable and preventable? This program is real, emotional, scientific, and life-saving—giving you the tools to make smarter choices and protect your future.

Students leave knowing better and doing better. Don’t miss out! Learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfBzA-Bp4VA. Or, signup here: https://www.gghorg.ca/emergency-department/p-a-r-t-y/

06/04/2026

Mark your calendars!! This year's Drug Poisoning Awareness Day events fall on Aug 20th in Mount Forest and Aug 27th in Guelph. More details to come

06/02/2026

⚠️ COMMUNITY ADVISORY ⚠️

A Community Advisory was issued on June 1st, 2026 providing an update on drug poisoning incidents in Guelph and Wellington during the first half of 2026. Drug poisoning incidents have increased significantly this year.

May 2026 recorded the highest number of drug poisoning incidents in the Guelph-Wellington region since local surveillance began. At least 269 incidents have already been reported in 2026—more than double the number reported during the same period last year.

While most non-fatal drug poisoning incidents (92%) occurred in the City of Guelph, the majority of fatalities occurred in Wellington County. Of the 17 drug-related fatalities reported to date in 2026, 11 occurred in Wellington County. More information is in the chart above.

A growing concern is the presence of medetomidine in the unregulated drug supply. This sedative can cause prolonged sedation and serious cardiovascular effects and is not reversed by naloxone. More information can be found here: https://wgdrugstrategy.ca/news/

To reduce the risk of drug poisoning:
✔️ Avoid using alone. If using by yourself, call NORS at 1-888-688-6677 for confidential overdose prevention support.
✔️ Start low, go slow and avoid mixing substances, including alcohol and medications.
✔️ Carry naloxone and know how to use it.
✔️ Use drug checking services and connect with supports. More information can be found at https://wgdrugstrategy.ca/2026/04/harm-reduction-access-guide/
✔️ Know the signs of drug poisoning and call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing a drug poisoning.

Please help share this information to support the health and safety of our community.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

05/21/2026

This National Paramedic Service Week, we want to recognize and thank the incredible team at Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service for their ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe and well.

This week, the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy had the opportunity to connect with incoming paramedics to share local data and trends related to substance use and drug toxicity in Guelph and Wellington. The training also highlighted community resources, evidence-based approaches to drug poisoning response, and the importance of minimizing stigma and understanding these issues through the lens of lived and living experience. A special thanks to the IMPACT Team for joining us!

We are grateful for the care, compassion, and professionalism paramedics bring to this work every day — responding in some of the community’s most critical moments with skill & empathy.
Thank you for all that you do.