Island Health issues overdose advisory for Greater Victoria
Island Health is warning of a spike in overdoses in the Greater Victoria region.
The health authority posted a drug poisoning and overdose advisory for the capital region on Wednesday afternoon.
Island Health is encouraging drug users to "start low, go slow" by taking small amounts of drugs and seeing what their effects are, and to carry naloxone.
Other recommendations from Island Health include staggering use with a friend, getting drugs tested at Substance UVic, or visiting a local overdose prevention centre, like The Harbour facility at 941 Pandora Ave., or Rock Bay Landing at 535 Ellice St.
Island Health's overdose warning comes one day after the province announced that more than 10,000 people had died of illicit drug overdoses in B.C. since April 2016, when the province first declared the epidemic a health emergency.
Meanwhile, roughly 1,095 people died of an overdose in the first six months of 2022 in B.C., the highest total ever recorded during the first six months of a calendar year in the province.
More details about overdose prevention services on Vancouver Island can be found on the Island Health website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
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.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.