Island Health is warning the public about toxic drugs that have led to an increase in illicit-drug overdoses in the Cowichan Valley.
The health authority said the rise in overdoses is related to opioids and stimulants that pose a heightened risk when inhaled or injected.
B.C.’s public health officer and the B.C. Coroner Service have long warned about the toxic drug supply, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Health officials say border closures have disrupted the smuggling of fentanyl and other opioids into B.C., which means the drug supply is being laced with synthetic drugs or unpredictable substances produced locally.
Island Health advised people to use the overdose-prevention service at 221 Trunk Road, which is open daily from 1 to 7 p.m. Drug users can also bring their drugs to that location to have them tested before use.
Anyone using drugs is also encouraged to use the Lifeguard app, a mobile phone alarm that can call for help if a person does not shut it off after a certain amount of time, indicating a possible overdose.
In August, 147 people died of illicit drug overdoses in B.C., a 71 per cent increase from the same time last year. August was also the sixth straight month with more than 100 illicit drug toxicity deaths.
