Ottawa's overdose overview

We have seen a significant increase in the harms of fatal and non-fatal overdoses since the start of the pandemic and unfortunately rates have remained elevated. A broad multi-faceted response is needed to help address the overdose crisis. This is a complex issue compounded by interrelated challenges of increased mental health concerns and an increase in the number of residents needing homelessness services in the community. 

These data provide an early signal of changes in suspected overdose-related emergency department (ED) visits and deaths in Ottawa. These early data are based on the chief complaint at triage for ED visits and, for deaths, evidence from the scene/investigation or preliminary autopsy findings. While not all the ED visits and deaths shown here will be proven to be related to an overdose, changes over time will provide useful information about substance related harms. These data are based on all patients seen in Ottawa hospitals and deaths that occurred in Ottawa. Data will be refreshed as it becomes available from the various data sources provided to Ottawa Public Health.

Interpreting the data from Ottawa's Overdose Overview :

  • The number of suspected drug overdose ED visits in the most recent week is higher than the previous week.
  • The number of suspected drug overdose deaths in the most recent week is lower than the previous week. 
  • The number of confirmed opioid overdose-related ED visits in May 2024 is lower than the previous month. The highest number of confirmed opioid overdose related ED visits in the past 4 years was in the third quarter of 2023. 
  • The number of confirmed opioid-related deaths in the fourth quarter of 2023 is higher than that seen in the third quarter of 2023. The highest number of confirmed opioid-related deaths within the past 5 years was in the first quarter of 2023.
  • All areas of Ottawa are affected by opioid-related harms, but the largest numbers and rates tend to be in the downtown areas of Ottawa.  

The following data tables are available for download on Open Ottawa:

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Additional data is available on The Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Community Dashboard and Open data.

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