Vancouver Island - Island Health is urging everyone to be vigilant if they choose to consume substances at festivals this summer. Many substances (i.e. cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, Xanax and meth, etc.) have been contaminated by fentanyl or other toxic additives, increasing the possibility of a serious overdose. The safest way to prevent an overdose is to avoid substances completely.
Victoria - Twice a week from spring to fall at a large garden overlooking the Blenkinsop Valley a small miracle occurs. A very diverse group of about 20 people gather together to work, talk, laugh, and learn to grow food for themselves and others in our community. The official name of the program is Feeding Ourselves and Others, but friends and family call it Serenity Farm.
Vancouver Island – The school year is coming to a close and students may be feeling more stressed than usual. Island Health encourages youth and young adults to download the BoosterBuddy app for virtual support through exam periods and all year long.
BoosterBuddy is celebrating two wonderful milestones: more than 200,000 people have downloaded the mental health and wellness app, and Coast Capital Savings has provided a third gift of $70,560 towards the app development. Coast Capital Savings’ commitment to BoosterBuddy was initiated through the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Victoria - The Pandora Supervised Consumption Centre opens June 18, 2018. Island Health’s largest supervised consumption service will allow people to safely use drugs while offering on-site supports and services as well as referrals and access to treatment whenever clients are ready to begin a recovery journey.
VICTORIA – Media are invited to join Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy, Island Health Board Chair Leah Hollins, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick, Victoria Councillor Marianne Alto, the Lookout Society, BC Emergency Health Services and SOLID Outreach Victoria for a tour of the Pandora Supervised Consumption Service Centre. The centre opens next week.
When: June 14 at 10 a.m.
Where: 941 Pandora Avenue, Victoria
Media Inquiries:
Island Health offers services, treatment and support to those impacted by mental health and substance use issues.
Bed-based treatment and recovery services offer support for individuals dealing with substance use challenges.
Learn more about treatment and recovery bed-based programs for mental health and substance use.
Drug checking is a harm reduction service that helps people make informed decisions about unregulated substances before they use.
Island Health operates or funds a range of services for substance use detox, treatment and supportive recovery.