Drug poisoning and overdose advisory issued for Greater Victoria

Overdoses are on the rise locally, prompting Island Health to issue a drug poisoning and overdose advisory for Greater Victoria.

The health authority issued the advisory on Tuesday, April 12th, saying overdoses are increasing in Victoria, Sooke and the West Shore area.

“Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from both injection and inhalation,” said Island Health.

Health experts ask those who witness someone overdosing to call 911 right away, stay with them and give one breath every five seconds and naloxone, if possible.

Island Health is also sharing strategies for safe use, including carrying naloxone, starting low and going slow, and staggering use with a friend. Mixing substances increase the risk of overdose, the health authority warns.

It urges drug users to use at a Local Overdose Prevention Service (OPS), such as The Harbour on Pandora Avenue or Rock Bay Landing on Ellice Street.

More tips to help prevent overdose and use more safely can be found online here.

More fentanyl in Victoria’s cocaine supply, testing lab warned

Greater Victoria’s drug poisoning and overdose advisory follows last month’s warning from street drug testing lab Substance UVic, which confirmed an increase in fentanyl contamination within the local cocaine supply.

It also comes as BC grapples with the latest overdose statistics.

According to the BC Coroners Service, an estimated 174 British Columbians lost their lives in February of this year due to toxic illicit drugs, with 15 of those deaths recorded in Victoria.

That’s 15 local families who lost a loved one amid the ongoing toxic drug crisis, pushing the province’s death toll to 9,410 since January 2016.

Unless extended, Greater Victoria’s advisory will be removed after seven days.