Island Health is urging people to use strategies to stay safer when using drugs. Due to the toxic drug supply, there is currently an increase in overdoses across the Island.
Island Health has issued overdose advisories for Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley and Campbell River.
If you use drugs, stay safer by following these steps if someone overdoses:
- Call 9-1-1 right away
- Provide rescue breathing
- Give Naloxone
Strategies for safer use:
- Visit your local Overdose Prevention Service (OPS)
- Have your drugs checked at your local OPS
- Carry Naloxone and have an overdose response plan
- Do a tester; try a little before your regular hit
- Fix with a friend; if alone, be close to help
- Try the LifeguardApp on your phone www.lifeguarddh.com
- Contact the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677
- Stagger your use with a friend, so someone can respond if needed
Island Health asks everyone to create safe space for respectful dialogue around substance use. People from all walks of life use drugs for different reasons. We are all human. We all experience differing traumas and having different coping strategies. We all need connection and compassion. Starting a conversation could save a life.
If you or someone you know needs support, there is help. Resources are available at IslandHealth.ca/StopOverdose.