Island Health is warning that drug users in Greater Victoria continue to be at higher risk of overdose, a week after a toxic-drug-overdose advisory was issued for both the capital region and Campbell River.
On Wednesday, the health authority extended the advisory for Greater Victoria, saying the number of overdoses is increasing in Victoria, with users of opioids and stimulants at greater risk from injection and inhalation.
Such alerts are based on the number of overdose calls to B.C. Ambulance and the number of people treated for drug overdoses in emergency departments.
The health authority also reviews the number of deaths thought to be caused by the toxic drug supply, the number of overdoses occurring in overdose-prevention sites and supervised-consumption sites, and community reports of toxic drug reactions.
The advisory includes instructions on what to do if someone overdoses, starting with calling 911 and staying with the person affected, administering naloxone and giving one breath every five seconds.
The health authority also provides tips for safer drug use, including visiting an overdose prevention service, getting drugs checked before using them, carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it, using one substance at a time instead of mixing, and staggering use with a friend so someone is available to respond in an emergency.
In Victoria, overdose-prevention services are located at The Harbour at 926 Pandora Ave. for inhalation and 941 Pandora Ave. for injection, Rock Bay Landing at 535 Ellice St. and AVI at 713 Johnson St.
Drug-checking services are available at Substance UVic at 1802 Cook St.
A toxic-drug-overdose advisory was also issued Tuesday for the Cowichan Valley.
An overdose-prevention service is located at 5878 York Rd. in Duncan and substances can also be dropped off there for testing.
To receive Island Health’s drug-poisoning overdose advisories directly by text message, text JOIN to 253787.
PLEASE SHARE: A Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory has been extended for #GreaterVictoria.
— Island Health (@VanIslandHealth) April 19, 2023
Visit our #OverdosePrevention Services page at https://t.co/sZm6yTWpO4 to find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more. pic.twitter.com/5kIMdASWnz
