Island Health Issues Another Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory For Campbell River

Island Health has issued another Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory for Campbell River. https://ow.ly/Nlzv50PLkLO

The warning was issued yesterday and will be in place for a week.

Island Health says overdoses are increasing and people using opioids and stimulants - both inhaled and injected - face increased risk.

If you suspect someone of overdosing, call 911 immediately and, if available to you, administer Naloxone.

In response to a recent increase in deaths caused by toxic drugs, the BC Coroners Service has issued a public safety warning to anyone using substances purchased from the illicit market.

In its October 2023 update, the coroners service revealed that the province is expected to record an unprecedented number of unregulated drug-related deaths in 2023.

Since that update was released, the number of deaths due to drug toxicity has increased above earlier indications.

The Coroners Service says in recognition of how difficult the holiday season is for those who have lost loved ones, there has historically not been a monthly drug-death reporting update in December.

However, it says it is important to ensure that people are aware of the continuing risks related to the unregulated drug market and of recent increases in deaths reported.

While data is still under review, preliminary indications suggest unregulated drug toxicity has caused more than 200 deaths in November 2023, and that the province has averaged about seven deaths per day for the past seven weeks.

For harm reduction services and information, including naloxone programs, visit Toward the Heart.