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Victoria experiences spike in overdoses according to Island Health

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Island Health is warning Victoria residents to be especially cautious after the city experienced a spike in overdoses last week.

According to Island Health, a significantly stronger supply of substances has made its way to the island, resulting in an unusually high number of overdoses.

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While the health agency can’t release specific overdose numbers due to privacy policies, Island Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Dee Hoyano told Victoria Buzz that there were “more than double” the average number reported at Overdose Prevention Sites in Victoria last week.

According to Dr. Hoyano, Island Health is trying to spread the word about the stronger supply of drugs in Victoria as users can be caught off-guard by the increased potency.

“People are reacting a lot quicker,” said Hoyano. “Overdoses can then happen more quickly, which can indicate a more potent supply.”

With a suspected increase in supply potency, Island Health is urging people to be especially cautious when using substances.

“We ask that people be extra aware and cautious, and to use safety techniques,” said Hoyano.

“Check your drugs, know your location, have someone nearby who can help you. We know that Naloxone has saved many lives and we definitely encourage people who think they may need to use one or use one on a friend to get trained and have one.”

PLEASE SHARE: there have been an increase in overdoses in #Victoria in the past week. Please share this advisory.

Posted by Island Health on Wednesday, August 7, 2019

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Adam Chan
Former Staff Writer at Victoria Buzz.

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