Toxic drug advisory issued for both Greater Victoria and the West Shore

On Wednesday, March 20th, Island Health issued a warning that there has been an uptick in overdoses caused by the toxic drug supply.

The latest numbers from the Province show that in January alone, nearly 200 people died in BC as a result of toxic drug use. 

Last year, at least 2,539 people died because of the crisis, 475 of whom were Vancouver Islanders. 

Island Health is trying to put the word out to try to avoid unnecessary drug deaths by informing substance-users of ways they can safely use drugs.

The island’s health authority recommends:

• Getting drugs tested, a confidential and free service 
• Learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose
• Pick up free Naloxone Kits and other harm reduction supplies and carry it with you
  • Find a location: Toward the Heart site finder
  • Visit one of the Care and Connection Kiosks
• Don’t use alone
• If using alone, download and use an app like Connect by Lifeguard, the Brave App or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
• Use at an overdose prevention site
• Consider using an Opioid Agonist Treatment
• Sign up for toxic drug alerts:
  • Text JOIN to 253787 to subscribe
  • Subscribers receive information about increases in toxic drug poisonings in their community
  • Subscribers can text OD to 253787 to anonymously submit information about unregulated drug poisonings

PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory has been issued for #Victoria and #Westshore. Visit Island Health’s Harm Reduction Services page at https://t.co/u6zRPeYdgt to find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more. pic.twitter.com/a3cNiYbMge

— Island Health (@VanIslandHealth) March 20, 2024