With summer in full-force, Island Health has issued warnings for Vancouver Islanders of the dangers that come with increased heat as well as announces new harm reduction measures to be implemented at all major festivals.
As the public health crisis which began in April 2016 regarding toxic drug deaths, Island Health warns people to be cautious if they plan on consuming substances. So far in 2024, at least 763 have died of toxic drug deaths—156 of whom from within Island Health’s jurisdiction.
According to the island health authority, drug-checking can inform the owner of any unexpected, and possibly harmful or deadly, additives in samples.
“Use with someone or have someone check on you,” reads an Island Health media release.
“Never leave your friend alone to ‘sleep it off.’ If using with friends, stagger use or have a designated sober person.”
They also recommend substance users dose slowly. Island Health recommends trying a little bit and seeing how things go, not mixing multiple drugs and not mixing drugs with alcohol.
Through Island Health’s collaboration, there will be free drug checking stations at:
- Laketown Shakedown
- Phillips ‘Tilt’ Backyard Festival
- Pachena Bay Music Festival
- Sunfest Country
- Blackberry Jam
- Phillips ‘Reverb’ Backyard Festival
- Rifflandia
- Cumberland Wild
Drug-checking services are also available at some health facilities and through the mail.
To implement this at Vancouver Island’s major festivals through this summer, Island Health is teaming up with the organizations: WILD Collaborative Harm Reduction Association, Canadian Mental Health Association Mid Island and Substance.
Other summer safety concerns
Summer brings with it several health risks that could potentially lead to fatalities.
Being in the sun and heat for extended periods of time can be dangerous, especially with Environment Canada experts predicting an especially warm summer this year.
Island Health recommends people seek shade, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and regularly drink water to stay hydrated along with sports drinks containing electrolytes.
They add that using some substances, like MDMA, can further increase body temperature.
According to the island health authority, signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headaches, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine.
To avoid communicable diseases such as meningitis and staph infections, Island Health recommends avoiding sharing drinks as people seek to stay hydrated, as well as avoiding sharing cigarettes, vapes and lip products.
When it comes to sexual activity, the island health authority warns that sexually transmitted infections (STI) including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are increasing on Vancouver Island.
“To reduce the risk of infection, condom use is encouraged,” said Island Health. “Many festivals offer free condoms at hospitality tents or first aid booths.”
If needed, pharmacies also offer free emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or failed birth control like if a condom breaks, up to five days after sexual activity.
To be tested for STIs, people can easily make appointments through GetCheckedOnline.com in Greater Victoria.
