Alarming new B.C. overdose record, Nanaimo volumes surge

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While paramedics responded to nine overdose/drug poisoning patients in Nanaimo on Thursday, that number is elevated, according to a BCEHS statement to NanaimoNewsNOW.

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Alarming new B.C. overdose record, Nanaimo volumes surge

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“During the months of February, March, and April 2026, BCEHS responded to an average of about 6 overdose/poisoning patient events per day in Nanaimo.”

BCEHS previously stated Nanaimo had experienced about 3.5 overdose calls on average daily in 2025.

In response to high overdose/drug poisoning events in Nanaimo, Island Health issued a drug poisoning/overdose advisory for the Harbour City on Thursday.

Island Health overdose advisory notice issued this week. (Image Credit: Island Health)

NanaimoNewsNOW previously reported a prior daily province-wide overdose callout record of 284 incidents, which occurred on Feb. 25, which included 20 incidents in Nanaimo.

BCEHS recommends the LifeguardConnect app for iPhones, a potentially life-saving resource for those using illicit drugs while alone, and it also recommends substance users and those around them carry the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.

While naloxone works to reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, methadone and morphine, it won’t reverse the effects from non-opioid depressants such as benzodiazepines (commonly called benzos) and medetomidine, BCEHS stated.

According to the most recent available BC Coroners Service (BCCS) data, 23 people have died in Nanaimo during the first three months of the year due to toxic drugs.

On balance, the number of British Columbians dying from toxic drugs has reduced in recent years after reaching a record high of 2,593 in 2023 when Nanaimo experienced a record 115 toxic drug-related deaths, according to the BCCS.

Nanaimo’s Overdose Prevention Site is located at 250 Albert St., and is open seven days a week between 11:15 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mid Island Branch on behalf of Island Health also offers drug-testing, harm reduction supplies and other support services for active illicit drug users.

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info@nanaimonewsnow.com

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