Organization encouraging Saint John residents to test their drugs amid rise in overdoses

A harm reduction advocate says there is a dangerous mix of street substances in Saint John, N.B.

Laura MacNeil has been the executive director of Avenue B for a little over three months.

The harm reduction organization dedicates itself to fostering a healthier and safer community for all by providing comprehensive support, education, and resources to help keep residents as safe as possible when it comes to drug use.

A recent public safety alert from Saint John Police warning the community of a higher toxicity of narcotics now circulating the city is worrying for MacNeil.

Recent calls for service, as well as gathered information, has led the force to believe a potential spike in drug-related overdoses is occurring, with five sudden deaths currently being investigated.

“We are extremely sad to hear this and we aren’t surprised at all,” MacNeil says. “It lines up with the data we’ve been getting from our spectrometer, or drug testing machine. A lot of the drugs that people are bringing into test, the substances are mixed.”

While drug use has always had associated risks, MacNeil says those risks are now higher than ever. She notes the amount of overdoses happening within the city hasn’t appeared to change since taking the role, but there is an increase in the types of drugs being seen.

The tested drugs by Avenue B in the past few weeks have been mixed with a variety of substances, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, as well as benzodiazepine. She says it is very rare to see unmixed drugs.

“I don’t think it changes at all,” says MacNeil, when asked if she believes drug use will decrease in the wake of more toxic drugs circulating.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase in our clients being willing to be naloxone trained. We are trying to keep people alive and make the safest choices possible.”

MacNeil is encouraging users to come in and have their drugs tested before consuming them so they know exactly what they are taking. She advises anyone who can to become naloxone trained, which is offered at Avenue B on Waterloo Street and only takes about 15 minutes.

“Substance use is not a choice,” MacNeil says. “It is a health concern and while we can’t stop people from making choices, we need to support people to do things in the healthiest way possible.”

In the short-term, MacNeil says more naloxone training and education on substance use will benefit everyone. In the long-term, she is hoping to see an overdose prevention site – similar to the one offered by Ensemble in Moncton – open in Saint John.

CTV made multiple requests to Saint John Police Monday for more information on the five sudden deaths being investigated by the force, as well as the status of the higher toxicity drugs circulating in the community, but did not receive any response.

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