Island Health has issued drug poisoning overdose advisories for Greater Victoria and the West Shore.
An alert from the health authority posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, says overdoses are increasing in both Greater Victoria and the West Shore areas.
“Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation,” the alert reads.
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PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory has been issued for #Victoria and #Westshore. Visit Island Health's Harm Reduction Services page at https://t.co/u6zRPeYdgt to find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more. pic.twitter.com/a3cNiYbMge
— Island Health (@VanIslandHealth) March 20, 2024
Those who witness someone overdosing are asked to call 911 and stay with them, administering naloxone and giving one breath every five seconds.
The advisory adds drug users should also carry naloxone, use one substance at a time, know their tolerance, start low and go slow, stagger use with a friend, or, if using alone, let someone know and ask them to check on you.
Overdose prevention services in Victoria can be found at The Harbour at 926 and 941 Pandora Ave. (open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Rock Bay Landing at 535 Ellice St. (open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and AVI at 713 Johnson St. (open daily from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Drug checking is available at 1802 Cook St. on Monday to Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m.
For additional resources, Island Health says drug users can download the Connect by Lifeguard app here, while National OD Response can be reached at 1-888-688-6677.
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Mackenzie Read
