***Drug Alert - Vancouver - September 12, 2025***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

White granules sold as Alprazolam in Vancouver tested positive for ADB-BUTINACA , a synthetic cannabinoid and positive for benzos.

Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking.

***Drug Alert - Vancouver - September 8, 2025***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

White powder sold as benzos in Vancouver tested positive for the tranquilizer medetomidine and negative for fentanyl and benzos.

Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking

***Overdose Alert - Interior Health Region - September 5, 2025***

 

Interior Heath has issued an Overdose Alert for the Interior Health Region, due to increased non-fatal overdose events across the region. We have received reports from many communities across the interior of increased overdose activity. Supporting these observations, BCEHS has noted a recent rise in overdose calls starting around August 27th, underscoring the ongoing challenges we face in this crisis. 

 

This alert is not linked to a specific substance; however, carfentanil continues to be detected in British Columbia. Carfentanil Information Sheet. Carfentanil is estimated to be up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl. When combined with opioids or other substances, its effects are amplified, greatly increasing the risk of fatal overdose. 

·         Smoking is not safer than injecting.   

·         High risk of overdose and fatal overdose. 

·         Repeated doses of Naloxone may be required. 

 

Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.     

 

Please display the attached poster in high visibility locations and remove them on September 12th.

 

Service Provider Information: 

Supervised Consumption and Overdose Prevention Services 

Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca   

IH Mental Health Services: 310-MHSU  

Virtual Addiction Medicine Clinic (VAM)   

 

Our Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) clinic offers a full range of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), including buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®), methadone, and slow-release oral morphine (SROM / Kadian®).   

How VAM works:   

·         Our team works with you to assess your individual needs, develop a treatment plan, and help you achieve your goals   

·         The VAM clinic is virtual, meaning your appointments will take place over the phone no matter where you are in the Interior Health region   

·         The VAM clinic does not provide long-term care. Once you are comfortable with how your treatment is going, we will help you find health services in your community   

·         If you need help managing prescribed safer supply or alternatives, supervised consumption, overdose prevention, supervised withdrawal from alcohol, or counselling, please contact your nearest Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use centre at 310-MHSU (6478).    

·         Click here to request an appointment.     

 

No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose   

·         Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing drug checking services in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca   

·         Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’.   

 

When using substances:   

·         Use with others around   

·         Use one person at a time so someone can respond to overdose if needed   

·         When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.   

·         Know the risks when mixing drugs    

·         Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs   

·         If using alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.     

***Drug Alert - Penticton - September 5, 2025***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for PENTICTON after a sample being sold as “CRACK CAVIAR” was found to contain Fentanyl. This is believed to be connected with multiple drug poisoning events in the community. There is a high risk of overdose and a high risk of fatal overdose.  Crack is a known stimulant. This sample does not contain any stimulant drug (crack cocaine/cocaine). This poses a serious risk to people who use stimulants but do not regularly use opioids.

Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.   

Please display the attached poster in high visibility locations and remove it on September 12th, 2025.

Service Provider Information 

Local Substance Use Services: 310-MHSU

Penticton Drug Checking: 250-328-9619

Virtual Addiction Medicine Clinic (VAM) 

Our Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) clinic offers a full range of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), including buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®), methadone, and slow-release oral morphine (SROM / Kadian®). 

How VAM works: 

• Our team works with you to assess your individual needs, develop a treatment plan, and help you achieve your goals 

• The VAM clinic is virtual, meaning your appointments will take place over the phone no matter where you are in the Interior Health region 

• The VAM clinic does not provide long-term care. Once you are comfortable with how your treatment is going, we will help you find health services in your community 

• If you need help managing prescribed safer supply or alternatives, supervised consumption, overdose prevention, supervised withdrawal from alcohol, or counselling, please contact your nearest Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use centre at 310-MHSU (6478).  

• Click here to request an appointment.   

No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose 

• Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing drug checking services in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca 

• Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’. 

• When using substances: 

o    Use with others around 

o    Use one person at a time so someone can respond to overdose if needed 

o    When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow. 

o    Know the risks when mixing drugs  

o    Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs 

o    If using alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.