Island Health issues drug poisoning advisory in Nanaimo as overdoses rise

Island Health has issued a drug poisoning/overdose advisory for Nanaimo.

Health officials are urging people in Nanaimo, B.C., to take extra precautions following an increase in drug poisonings in the community.

Island Health issued a drug poisoning advisory Thursday, saying people who use unregulated substances may be at a higher risk.

For many families, the warning is another difficult reminder of the ongoing overdose crisis affecting communities across Vancouver Island and B.C.

Island Health is encouraging people not to use alone, carry naloxone and check in on friends or loved ones who may be at risk.

Officials say overdose risk can increase when someone has been sick, has not used substances recently or mixes drugs with alcohol or prescription medications. People are also being urged to “start low and go slow,” as even small changes in tolerance or drug content can significantly affect how a substance impacts the body.

Health officials are outlining several harm-reduction steps for people who use drugs. They say the safest option is to avoid using alone. If you do use alone, they recommend you let someone know and ask them to check on you after. They also suggest using virtual supports such as the Lifeguard App, the Brave App or calling the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677, which provides live monitoring and emergency response support if needed.

They are also encouraging access to drug-checking services where available, noting that the unregulated drug supply can contain unexpected or changing toxic substances.

Nanaimo’s overdose prevention site and drug-checking services are available daily at 250 Albert St. from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If someone appears to be overdosing, Island Health says to call 911 immediately, stay with the person, provide rescue breaths and administer naloxone if it is available.

Residents can sign up for overdose alerts by texting “JOIN” to 253787. Drug poisonings can also be reported by texting “OD” to the same number.

Virtual addiction medicine and substance-use services are available through Island Health at 1-888-885-8824.

B.C. remains under a public health emergency due to the overdose crisis, which was first declared in 2016.