Island Health Issues Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory For Port Alberni

Island Health has issued a Drug Poisoning/Overdose Advisory for Port Alberni.

Overdoses are increasing in the area and friends, families, and residents using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from injection and inhalation.

Ways to prevent and treat an overdose:

Use with a buddy
Stagger use so someone can respond or call for help if needed.

Alternatively, use at an overdose prevention site where people can use drugs under the supervision of trained staff.

If using alone
Download an app that will connect you to help if an overdose happens. There is no police involvement when using these services. Download in the App store or Google Play.

• Connect by Lifeguard - anonymous, life-saving technology that provides a direct link to emergency services when an accidental overdose occurs. Additional features of the app include Naloxone and CPR guidance, drug alerts and direct access to local mental health and addiction support services. 
• Brave App – connects you with community members when you are vulnerable to an overdose. Users set up an overdose plan that puts them in control, detailing how, when, and who is sent for help. 

Call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-NORS (6677) - a free hotline that provides loving, confidential, non-judgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs

Start low, go slow
Use one drug at a time, including alcohol and prescription drugs. Use smaller amounts, especially when the drug is new or you haven't used recently.

Carry and use Naloxone
Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. It does not respond to non-opioid drugs such as benzodiazepines, cocaine or alcohol. Take Home Naloxone is available for free in BC. Find a location near you.

Know the signs of an overdose and how to respond
Learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Provide rescue breathing
• Inject naloxone 

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you if you witness an overdose and you or someone else calls 911. No one is to be charged with personal possession of an illegal substance nor charged for breach of probation or parole relating to simple drug possession. 

Talk to other men: HeChangedItApp
This app connects men with a supportive community, resources and information to help men deal with stress, tension, anxiety and depression. Core pillars address mental, physical, emotional, social and soul fitness.

Toxic Drug Alerts:
Sign up to receive Island Health's drug-poisoning overdose advisories by text message. These advisories share information about increases in toxic drug poisonings in Island Health communities and provide tips for safer drug use. Text JOIN to 253787.