Island Health issued an overdose advisory, the first since October 2021 for the Nanaimo area, warning of an increase in overdose and drug poisoning incidents. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

OVERDOSE INCREASE

Island Health issues drug poisoning advisory for Nanaimo

Jan 17, 2022 | 9:48 AM

NANAIMO — Island Health is reporting poisoning and deaths related to toxic drugs are spiking through the region.

The health authority issued a Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory on Monday, Jan. 17. It will be in place for at least seven days to create additional awareness of toxic drugs and a potentially more damaging supply circulating in the region.

Previous overdose advisories were issued in April and October of 2021.

Nanaimo continues to deal with a surge in drug toxicity-related deaths and record numbers of overdose responses from emergency services.

Data from BC EHS shows Nanaimo first responders attended 891 calls for service related to overdose of drugs in 2021, a 26 per cent increase from 2020.

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According to the BC Coroners Service, the greater Nanaimo region recorded 37 deaths linked to drug toxicity between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2021. Data for the final two months of the year has not been published.

A record 56 people died from a toxic drug supply in 2017.

Across all of central Vancouver Island, encompassing communities like Nanaimo, Duncan, Oceanside, Port Alberni and Tofino/Ucluelet, 89 people have died in 2021 through to the end of October.

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