A drug toxicity advisory for Nanaimo has been issued by Island Health. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

toxic drugs

Island Health issues toxic drug warning for Nanaimo

May 11, 2022 | 10:51 AM

NANAIMO — Poisonous drugs making the rounds in Nanaimo triggered an advisory from Island Health.

A bulletin was issued from the health authority on Tuesday, May 10.

“Overdoses are increasing in Nanaimo. Friends, family and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from both injection and inhalation,” the advisory stated.

Forty nine drug toxicity deaths in Nanaimo were reported by the BC Coroners Service last year, while 12 deaths in Nanaimo were reported in the first three months of 2022.

Illicit drug advisories have increased in recent years in Nanaimo, including in January and multiple bulletins issued last year.

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The Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mid Island branch operates an overdose prevention and supervised consumption site at 437 Wesley St. The service operates seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Further information from Island Health on overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites can be found here.

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