The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit says there were three deaths in Chatham-Kent (CK) in June believed to be linked to drug overdoses.
The three deaths bring the total for April, May, and June to nine.
The June report states a total of 24 suspected drug-related deaths in CK during the first half of this year (15 in the first quarter and 9 in the second quarter). It also shows a total of eight confirmed or probable opioid overdose deaths recorded in January, February, and March. The opioid overdose deaths take longer to report because toxicology testing and coroner investigations take longer to complete, according to the health unit.
The health unit says the opioid overdose death rate in CK during the first three months of 2026 was 6.9 per cent, three times higher than the provincial average of 2.3 per cent. The 2026 year-to-date suspected drug-related death rate is also 2.5 times higher than the provincial rate (20.8 per 100,000 compared to 8.2 per 100,000).
EMS calls in June for suspected opioid overdoses decreased by 31 per cent compared to the previous month, down to 20 along with 11 non-opioid overdose calls, the report shows.
Opioid overdose visits to the emergency department (ED) also declined in June. They were down to seven, which is a 56 per cent decrease from May, added CK Public Health.
Despite this decline, public health officials say Chatham-Kent's 2026 year-to-date opioid overdose visit rate to the ED is still more than double the provincial rate (93.7 per 100,000 in CK compared to 41.9 per 100,000 in Ontario).
They continue to cite a risky local drug supply for the findings.
Meanwhile, International Overdose Awareness Day is on August 31.
Events will be hosted in Chatham and Wallaceburg at the R.O.C.K. drop in centres. The first event will be held in Chatham on August 26 from 3-6 p.m. at 39 Richmond Street, while the other will be held in Wallaceburg on August 27 from 4-7 p.m. at 233 Nelson Street.
The goal is to end overdoses, remember loved ones without stigma, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends.
