Island Health has issued a drug poisoning/overdose advisory for Greater Victoria.
The health authority says overdoses are increasing in Victoria, and people using opioids or stimulants are facing an increased risk from injection or inhalation.
Please Share: A Drug Poisoning/ Overdose Advisory has been issued for Greater #Victoria. Overdose prevention services (OPS) are available throughout Vancouver Island: https://t.co/BggvyG7uvu pic.twitter.com/38JwR2UCvx
— Island Health (@VanIslandHealth) January 21, 2022
To prevent overdose, Island Health recommends not using drugs alone, and ensuring to have Naloxone on hand to use in case of overdose.
The City of Victoria has two supervised consumption sites open to the general public.
These sites are The Harbour at 941 Pandora Ave, and Victoria Cool Aid Society at 535 Ellice St.
Additional advice from the health authority includes starting with a small amount to see how you feel before taking more, not to mix substances,
If using alone, people are advised to let someone know to check in on you, download the Lifeguard app, or call the National Overdose Response Service.
Laura Brougham
