Island Health is warning about rising numbers of drug poisonings and overdoses in Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley.
Those who use opioids and stimulants face a higher risk from both injection and inhalation, the agency said in a social-media statement Wednesday.
The health authority said drug-poisoning advisories are issued based on a variety of factors, include an increase in people turning up at emergency departments for suspected overdoses, a rise in 911 calls and observations by Island Health teams and community partners.
The rising number of overdoses in recent years prompted the province to declare the situation a public health emergency in 2016.
Last week, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson announced that four new sobering and assessment beds and four new stabilization beds have been added in Nanaimo.
The sobering and assessment beds, where those under the influence of substances can be monitored, are being operated by the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society at Balmoral House in Nanaimo and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Stabilization beds are being managed by the Island Crisis Care Society at Crescent House. They can support people for up to 30 days and include the opportunity to connect with services.
Island Health advises that if someone overdoses, call 911 and stay with them, give Naloxone, and give one breath every five seconds.
