Island Health has posted an overdose advisory for the Nanaimo region after an increase in medical calls and fatalities in the region. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

health warning

Island Health issues advisory over increase in overdoses in Nanaimo

Nov 2, 2022 | 2:27 PM

NANAIMO — Local health officials are seeing a spike in drug-related incidents throughout the mid-Island.

Island Health issued a drug poisoning overdose advisory for both the Nanaimo and Campbell River areas on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

It warns of an increase in overdoses recently in the region, with people “using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.”

Advisories are typically issued after an extended rise in medical-related calls and deaths related to drug toxicity. They remain in place for seven days unless extended by the health authority.

Health officials advise anyone using drugs to get them checked at the overdose prevention site at 437 Wesley St.

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Immediate checking is available on Thursdays and Fridays between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., while sample drop-off is available daily between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m.

Island Health is also asking anyone using to not do so alone, and ensure they have access to Naloxone in case of overdose.

Island Health confirmed the toxic drug warning was the fifth such bulletin issued for the Nanaimo area so far this year, with three of the warnings issued last May.

Forty-six people died from toxic drugs during the first eight months of the year in Nanaimo, which is a record-setting pace for a calendar year, according to BC Coroners Service data.

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