London Cares has tips if you see someone on the streets in distress

Knowing if, or when, to help someone who appears to be in distress isn't always straight forward.

As the struggles people who suffer from addictions and mental health issues becomes more visible on the streets, a leader at one of London's homelessness outreach organizations says there are helpful steps Londoners can take.

Chantelle McDonald, the service director at London Cares, says when in doubt, pick up the phone and call her office.

"We'll never say don't call us. We average about 1,500 calls for service a month. That could be from participants, someone's loved one, a community member, a business owner," McDonald said noting the number is 519-667-2273.

Concerning scenes can look different, depending on the situation, but McDonald said they often include people who appear to be unconscious on the streets.

"Not everyone's comfortable engaging with someone that is sleeping or to check vital signs or be able to determine if someone is OK, So we always say we're a resource that you can utilize," McDonald said. "When you call us, we do triage with you. Sometimes we'll direct you to the [right] number to call."

If someone appears to be unwell medically, or does not respond at all and appears to be unconscious, it's best to be safe and call emergency services, she said.

Then, there are more obvious situations that could include someone in distress who is crying or yelling, or acting violently. She also added that if someone refuses help it's often best to step away and ask London Cares.

"If there are weapons, or a significant escalation, we may ask that you call [police] as well," she said.

The number of people experiencing homelessness is growing in London, up by 19 per cent year-over-year. But more than that, the types of drugs being consumed has added significantly to the problem.

"Different substances have become available in our community, or have flooded into our streets," McDonald said.

It's something that Megan Van Boheemen, the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection's director of harm reduction services, has noted as well.

She said while fentanyl remains a primary problem, other drugs are being mixed with it, leading to deadly consequences.

"Recently, on September 2, we put out a warning about medetomidine in our drug supply here in London, based on what we were seeing on site, what people who use drugs are reporting to us," said Van Boheemen.

Medetomidine, according to Van Boheemen, is a veterinary tranquilizer that can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure and heart rate, especially when combined with fentanyl and other opioids.

She said the unpredictable nature of the drug supply keeps those who support people with addictions on their toes.

As outreach organizations find themselves stretched thin, McDonald said she would happily welcome more funding to bolster the services they can offer.

"Right now, we need harm reduction services within London, and we also need detox and treatment within London," McDonald said. "We don't have enough."