Image

July 4, 2015

Two Petrolia pharmacies say they want to be involved in a new program to keep fentanyl off the streets.

But it may be a few months before the Patch 4 Patch program will be up and running.

Sarnia Police Det. Const. Michael Howell recently told Lambton County councillors about the program the city police and the Lambton OPP are introducing across the region.

Howell says fentanyl has become “a very serious problem in Sarnia-Lambton.

“We have the same death rate (from fentanyl overdoes) as London, which is three times our population,” says Howlett. “Fifty per cent of new methodone clients are fentanyl users.”

Fentanyl is a legitimate painkiller often given to people suffering from long-term illnesses or cancer. “Patches, when they are worn and used legitimately still retain 60 to 80 per cent of the original dose,” he says.

Those used patches end up on the street, sometimes sold by legitimate prescription holders. “To abuse the drug you have to destroy the patch,” he says.

So the Patch 4 Patch program – which has been used in other communities with great success – forces prescription holders to return all of their used patches to receive the next batch.

If they’re selling them on the street, Howlett says it will become obvious. “As they abuse it there is nothing left for them to return.”

The officer says the Sarnia Police and the OPP are working with doctors and pharmacists to roll out the program, although it is not clear how long that will take.

Howlett does add it is important all pharmacies and doctors are part of the program or the drugs will still make their way onto the streets.

Two Petrolia pharmacies say they have heard of the program and plan to be a part of it.

Steve Churchman of Hogan’s Pharmacy in Petrolia says they hope to have the program up and running by August.

Bob Newman of Lambton Pharmacy also plans to be part of it, but says he’s only heard about the program so far from news reports. “It’s for the safety of everybody and it would cut down on the abuse of drugs for everyone,” says Newman. “We will certainly take part when it does happen.”

But Newman says it will take much coordination with doctors and some guidance from his professional association on how to deal with the used patches, to make the program work.

“I applaud the policy’s intent. It will be good when all the parties are on the same page because certainly we recognize that fentanyl is a major drug of abuse now across the province.”

Share This

Image
Front Page

Greenhill Gardens closed; upkeep of six-acre garden ‘challenging’

June 16, 2025

The Independent Greenhill Gardens – a once privately-owned oasis in Wilkesport – is closed to the public. That from the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation which took over the grounds in 2024. The gardens were cultivated by Joy Robson for years and her husband, Bill, allowed people to come and walk through the gardens for free. After the death of

Read More

Image
Front Page

Thedford EMS changes years away

June 15, 2025

The Independent Thedford residents won’t be losing their ambulance station for some time. That from Lambton County officials. Last month, Lambton Shores councillors voiced concern about a county plan which would close the Thedford station and have Forest paramedics to cover their calls. Lambton EMS also plans to move the Grand Bend station near Pinery Park hoping to provide better

Read More

Image
Front Page

No ATV rally for Petrolia Ag Society

June 15, 2025

The Independent There will not be ATVs rumbling through Petrolia this summer. Kelly Humphrey of the Petrolia Enniskillen Agricultural Society came to council in mid-May asking if PEAS could host an ATV rally with Greenwood Park as a starting and finishing point and using Petrolia streets to get to the starting and finishing point.  Julie Bullock, director of parks and

Read More

Image
Front Page

Fair banner may not fly

June 14, 2025

The Independent The Moore Agricultural Society has some big plans for the 175th anniversary of the Brigden Fair. But not all of their plans may work out. The ag society has asked for and received several approvals from St. Clair Township council for special events at the landmark fair including allowing a low-level Canadian Armed Forces Flyby and helicopter landings

Read More