Overdose advisory issued for Victoria on 7th anniversary of BC’s toxic drug crisis

Island Health has issued advisories in Victoria and Campbell River after a spike in drug-related overdoses have been recorded in both municipalities. 

On Wednesday, the advisory warned, with overdoses on the rise, people using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.

If someone overdoses, the advisory recommends the following safety precautions:

• Call 9-1-1 and stay with them
• Provide Naloxone 
• Give one breath every five seconds

The urgent alert issued on Wednesday comes after the seven year anniversary of BC Public health’s public health emergency on toxic drug use. 

Today, Premier David Eby; Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, issued a joint statement following the anniversary.

“Today, with heavy hearts and deep grief, we mark the seventh anniversary of the province’s public-health emergency in response to the toxic drug crisis,” read the joint statement. 

“We mourn with each and every British Columbian who has lost a loved one, family member or friend to this crisis. Each loss is devastating to our communities. No words can ease the pain of those left behind by loved ones after their lives were cut short by the poisoned drug supply.”

In response to the provincial government, today advocates from Mom’s Stop the Harm took to the streets of Victoria for a call to action, raising attention to the substance abuse epidemic that continues to severely impact thousands of families across Vancouver Island.

“As the deaths continue to rise in this province, the urgency for swift and decisive action for safe supply are needed more than ever. Let’s join in solidarity and get loud on April 14th,” said Mom’s Stop the Harm in a statement.

While drug use continues to persist across BC, those currently living with addiction are advised to follow steps towards safer drug use which include visiting supervised consumption sites or using the Lifeguard app if using alone. 

In Victoria, that would include the OPS inhalation site at 926 Pandora Avenue and the injection site at 941 Pandora Avenue which operates from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. 

In Campbell River, the Sobering and Assessment Centre at 1330 Dogwood Street is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven-days a week.

Taking initiative of their own, the BC Regional Council of Carpenters has announced it will offer naloxone kits and training to members free of charge. A first of its kind for any craft union in BC.

According to the CIRP, 55 per cent of all the people who have died in the opioid epidemic are construction workers, a number that has increased a staggering 33 per cent in the last five years.

“It’s just a matter of time [working] in this industry before you know someone who’s died from an overdose. It seems like not long before you know more than you can count,” says Union Representative, Matt Carlow.

Carlow was a driving force behind getting this life saving resource implemented within the construction industry.

“There’s a lot of stigma around this. But people are dying alone in their homes. Naloxone saves lives, and this union looks out for its members. This is a real way we can stop the deaths. I hope others follow our lead.”

While the project is being piloted in Victoria, the carpenters plan to expand it to offices across the province. Within the first week of piloting the program, the Victoria office has distributed more than 10 naloxone kits.

As the province works to provide the necessary services to support a rise in substance abuse, the joint statement acknowledged the continued efforts made by health workers supporting those on the front lines.

“We know there is much more to do. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all front-line workers and peers who make heroic efforts every single day to support those in distress and crisis,” read the joint statement.

“Our goal is to always be there with the support and care people need, when they need it to save lives and change lives for the better. This work takes all of us, together, and it’s more important now than ever.”

To learn more about the life-saving services offered on Vancouver Island, additional information can be found on the Island Health overdose prevention website.