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 as well as trends in confirmed opioid-related ED visits and deaths among Ottawa residents. Suspect 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 suspected ED visits and deaths are confirmed to be related to an overdose, changes over time will provide useful information about trends in substance related harms. Suspect overdose data are based on all patients seen in Ottawa hospitals and deaths that occurred in Ottawa. Confirmed opioid-related ED visits and deaths are among residents of Ottawa. Data are refreshed as they become available from the various data sources provided to Ottawa Public Health.

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

• Suspected Drug Overdose Emergency Department (ED) Visits in Ottawa by Week
• Confirmed Opioid Overdose ED Visits in Ottawa by Month
• Confirmed Drug Overdose ED Visits by ONS Neighbourhood of Patient 

• Suspected Drug Overdose Deaths in Ottawa by Week
• Confirmed Opioid-related Deaths of Ottawa Residents by Quarter
• Confirmed Opioid Toxicity Deaths of Ottawa Residents by ONS Neighbourhood of Incident

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

• For statistics on self-reported substance use, check out the "Do people feel well?" page.
• For statistics on drug use and overdose related harms, check out the "Are people experiencing harms from unmet needs?" page.
• For statistics on harm reductions services (e.g. naloxone, needle distribution program), check out the "Do people have access to harm reduction services" page
• For statistics on substance use health services and wait times (e.g., data from system navigation services), check out the "Can people get services when and where they need them?" page