The number of overdose calls Ottawa police have responded to so far in 2025 appear to be down significantly from the 2024 levels.
The Ottawa Police Service released the statistics on Sunday, International Overdose Awareness Day.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 11 this year, Ottawa police had responded to 364 overdose calls and had administered naloxone 29 times, “resulting in 24 lives saved so far this year,” they said in a news release.
Numbers for the same period in 2024 were not broken out, but police said that, for the entire year, they responded to 1,482 overdose calls and saved 128 lives by administering naloxone, a treatment that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
According to the release, Ottawa police have assisted in 3,676 overdose calls since 2020.
“The use of illicit substances, particularly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, remains a major contributor to overdoses in our community. It continues to have devastating impacts on families and places significant strain on emergency services,” Staff Sgt. James McGarry of the OPS Drug Unit said in the release.
“Encouraging open dialogue about this issue is essential. It helps raise awareness, enables those at risk to seek help, access treatment, and receive the support they need.”
The OPS said that, since 2024, it has been working with ANCHOR, a free 24-hour support program for those aged 16 and older in Centretown. The program helps people experiencing a mental-health or substance use-related crisis, provided there is no threat of violence or use of a weapon, the release stated.
“If you or someone you know is using substances, there are services, including mental health support, that can lead to recovery,” the release stated.
“The OPS reminds the public that you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. If in crisis, please contact the mental health crisis line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-722-6914 or if outside Ottawa toll-free at 1-866-996-0991.”
Police also advised the public about what to do in an overdose situation:
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer Naloxone
- Stay with the person until help arrives
