Island Health issues overdose advisory for Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni

Island Health issues overdose advisory for Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni
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Island Health issued an overdose advisory for Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni on Aug. 29, 2018. Photo Credit: Island Health.

Island Health issued an overdose advisory for Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni on Aug. 29, 2018. Photo Credit: Island Health.

Island Health has issued a public advisory for Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni following a spike in drug overdoes in those three areas over the last 24 hours.

Island Health spokeswoman Meribeth Burton said there has been a cluster of overdoses in those areas.

“Some have resulted in death,” Burton said.

Burton also added that in some of the incidents, more naloxone than normal has been required to reverse the overdoses.

Island Health is urging people who see someone who has overdosed to call 911 right away, provide rescue breathing and give naloxone if it’s available.

The health authority is also asking people to practice safer drug use by doing the following:

  • Do a tester; try a little before your regular hit
  • Fix with a friend; if alone, be close to help
  • Stagger your use with friends, so someone can respond if needed
  • Carry naloxone and have an overdose response plan
  • Visit an overdose prevention site. The Canadian Mental Health Association at 437 Wesley Street, Nanaimo is open 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., seven days a week. The Shelter Outreach Centre off Bute Street at 3699 3rd Avenue, Port Alberni is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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