Drug overdose advisory issued for Greater Victoria, including West Shore and Sooke

Drug overdose advisory issued for Greater Victoria, including West Shore and Sooke
CHEK

Island Health is warning drug users on the South Island of an increase in overdoses linked to poisonous opioids and stimulants circulating in the region.

“Overdoses are increasing in Victoria, the West Shore and Sooke,” reads the advisory. “Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from both injection and inhalation.”

Island Health is asking people who use illicit drugs to either stagger use with a friend so someone can respond if needed, or to start with small amounts and go slow. They can also visit the region’s overdose prevention sites such as The Harbour at 941 Pandora Ave. or Rock Bay Landing at 535 Ellice Street.

Anyone who witnesses a drug overdose should call 911 and stay with the person overdosing, provide naloxone if they have it and perform CPR by giving one breath every five seconds.

Last month, the BC Coroners Service provided updated statistics for the ongoing toxic drug crisis gripping the province, saying that more than 9,410 people have died since 2016.

In March, there were 165 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths in the province, the highest number of deaths ever recorded in the month of March due to toxic drugs.

No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.

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