Drug Strategy News

This message is to inform you of an important change to the OMARS Community Drug Alerts.  
The Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy (WRIDS) is winding down. The WRIDS website and social media accounts are being retired. 
Here’s what you need to know: 
New OMARS Community Drug Alert website: On December 1, 2025, the OMARS community drug alerts will move to the Region of Waterloo Public Health’s community drug alert...
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The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is issuing a Community Drug Alert for Waterloo Region.
There were 3 suspected drug-related deaths from November 10 to November 12.
Sanguen’s Drug Checking Program found fentanyl samples that:
are stronger than expected
contain fentanyl analogues including para-fluorofentanyl 
continue to contain medetomidine/dexmedetomidine
Drug Checking noted yellow and orange as colours of concern....
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The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is extending a Community Drug Alert for Waterloo Region.
This alert is an extension of the Community Drug Alert released on November 6, 2024, that included 35 suspected overdose/drug poisonings from October 31 to November 5. From November 11 to November 14, there were 3 suspected overdose/drug poisoning related deaths.
Deep yellow, pale yellow, orange, and green fentanyl are colours of concern.
The Kitchener...
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The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is issuing a Community Drug Alert for Waterloo Region.
From October 31 to November 5 there was an increase in the number of overdoses/drug poisonings, with 35 reported cases.
Deep yellow, pale yellow, orange, and green fentanyl are colours of concern.
The Kitchener CTS Drug Checking Program has seen an increase in xylazine. Medetomidine/dexmedetomidine and oxazepam continue to be detected.
The presence of...
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The Overdose Monitoring Alert and Response System (OMARS) is issuing a Community Drug Alert for Waterloo Region.
From October 11 to October 21, there were 5 suspected drug-related deaths.
It is respiratory illness season. Respiratory illnesses and infections such COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can affect breathing and may increase risk of overdose. Go slow and use less when sick. “Downers” or drugs with sedative properties cause...
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