London Mayor Josh Morgan posted a message on Instagram responding to reports of a recent overdose incident in London. (Screenshot/Instagram)
A recent overdose incident that prompted dozens of emergency calls in downtown London has renewed concerns about toxic drugs circulating in the community.
Mayor Josh Morgan highlighted the need for more addiction treatment and recovery beds on a post to his Instagram account over the weekend.
London Police Service responded to 39 overdose-related calls Wednesday after reports that a person was distributing yellow pills in the downtown core. Police say multiple people required medical attention after ingesting the substance.
London Health Sciences Centre also issued a Code Orange alert, indicating a surge in patients arriving at emergency departments.
In the Instagram post, Morgan thanked emergency responders, outreach workers and community agencies who helped respond to the incident.
“Many of you will have seen the news regarding the concentrated spike in overdoses in London this week,” Morgan wrote in the post. “Their efforts ensured those in need of urgent medical care and attention received it in a timely manner, saving dozens of lives.”
London City Hall (Theodore Ramharack/XFM News)
Morgan said the incident demonstrates the dangers posed by toxic drugs and underscores the need for coordinated responses among health services, police and community organizations.
“Real progress depends on expanding access to treatment and recovery,” he wrote. “Without enough places for people to heal, recover and rebuild their lives, the cycle will continue.”
Morgan also pointed to provincial investments such as the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs system, but said additional treatment and recovery beds are still needed.
Police say the investigation into the overdose incident is ongoing and are asking anyone with information, including dashcam or surveillance footage from the downtown area, to contact investigators.
