Island Health issues drug-poisoning and overdose advisory in Greater Victoria
Island Health is warning of an increase in overdoses and drug poisonings in Greater Victoria.
On Friday morning, the health authority said drug users should be cautious, particularly people who use opioids and stimulants.
The increased drug-poisoning and overdose risks are affecting both injection and inhalation drug users, according to Island Health.
The health authority is reminding drug users that overdose prevention services are available across Vancouver Island.
Island Health is also encouraging drug users to carry naloxone and stagger their use with a friend.
Everyone should take a small amount to see a drug's affect on their body in a method that's described as "start low, go slow." If using alone, people should ask someone to check in on them, or download the Lifeguard App or call the National OD Response Service at 1-888-688-6677, says Island Health.
The number of reported overdoses across B.C. increased significantly last year, particularly in some communities on Vancouver Island.
Victoria saw a 24 per cent rise in overdose calls to paramedics last year, with 1,952 calls made, up from 1,569 reported in 2020.
The City of Victoria had the third highest number of overdose calls in B.C. last year, behind Vancouver (9,993) and Surrey (3,674).
Meanwhile, the City of Courtenay saw a stunning 127 per cent increase in reported overdoses, with 467 calls reported last year, up from 206 in 2020.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.