Island Health has expanded its drug poisoning advisory to encompass the whole North Island after an increase in overdoses.
On Monday, the advisory was issued in Campbell River. Tuesday morning, Island Health posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), expanding the advisory to the North Island region.
PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory has been issued for #NorthVancouverIsland.
Visit Island Health's Overdose Prevention Services page at https://t.co/u6zRPeYdgt to find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more. pic.twitter.com/bpRKwHVtXr
— Island Health (@VanIslandHealth) January 23, 2024
People using opioids and stimulants face an increased risk when consuming substances both by injection and inhalation, according to the health authority.
Island Health says if you see someone overdosing, you are advised to call 911 and stay with them, give Naloxone and give one breath every five seconds.
People using drugs should visit a local overdose prevention service, get their drugs checked, use one substance at a time, carry Naloxone, know their tolerance, start low and go slow, and stagger use with a friend.
Overdose prevention services and drug checking in the Comox Valley can be found at 355 6th St. in Courtenay from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.
In Campbell River, services are located at 1330 Dogwood St., Unit #5, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Port Alberni services are at 3699 3rd Ave., open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you are using alone, Island Health advises you to call someone to let them know and ask them to check on you, download Connect by Lifeguard, or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).
Mackenzie Read
