Information For Alerts and People Who Use Substances
This page contains important information about staying safe. Use this page for the latest on signing up for Toxic Drug and Public Health Alerts, as well as accessing overdose prevention and drug checking services in BC.
Alerts
-
Island Health - Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Port AlberniMarch 23, 2023 • Posted by Island Health
***Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory Extended - Port Alberni - March 23, 2023***
Overdoses are increasing in Port Alberni from opioids and stimulants, increased risk with both injection and inhalation.
Strategies for safer use:
- Visit Port Alberni Overdose Prevention Services (OPS)
- 3699 3rd Ave (off Bute St), Port Alberni (daily from 8am-8pm)
- Have your drugs checked at your local OPS
- 3699 3rd Ave (off Bute St), Port Alberni (daily from 8am-4pm) Sample drop off when staff avaliable
- Carry Naloxone and have an overdose response plan
- Do a tester; try a little before your regular hit
- Fix with a friend; if alone, be close to help:
- Try the LifeguardApp on your phone www.lifeguarddh.com
- Contact the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677
- Stagger your use with a friend, so someone can respond if needed
- Visit Port Alberni Overdose Prevention Services (OPS)
-
Northern Health - Drug Alert - Prince GeorgeMarch 21, 2023 • Posted by Northern Health
***Drug Alert - PRINCE GEORGE- March 21, 2023***
There has been a significant increase in overdose events in Prince George, resulting from two distinct substances. The first substance, known as "down," is a light brown/beige color and has been causing prolonged sedation, breathing difficulties, strange behavior, and blackouts. Testing shows it contains high levels of fentanyl (15-20%) and tested positive for benzodiazepine. The second substance is purple in color and has also been linked to overdoses. Testing and further information on this substance is currently unavailable.
Local overdose prevention site (OPS)
- Two Doors Down, 1126 3rd Ave, Prince George
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6 am to 11 am and 6 pm to 11 pm - Northern Health Needle Exchange and Harm Reduction Clinic (OPS/APP), 277 George St, Prince Georg
Story alert link:https://stories.northernhealth.ca/news/toxic-drug-alert-prince-george-7
Printable story alert link: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdose-prevention
Substances move throughout our region and may be present in your community so please share this alert widely and use with caution following the harm reduction messages below.
For your safety
- Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone
- Don’t use alone. Make a plan and tell a buddy who can call for help if needed
- If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website
- Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less
- Don't mix drugs or mix drugs with alcohol
- Test a small amount first and go slow
- Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) if possible (see Terrace location listed below)
- Get your drugs checked at the Terrace OPS (see hours below)
- Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses
- Two Doors Down, 1126 3rd Ave, Prince George
Toxic Drug and Health Alerts
-
Health Authority Regions Map
-
Instructions
- MENU to see all the options and tools for this service
- FIND to find harm reduction supplies
- NARCAN to learn where naloxone kits are available
- SAFE to find overdose prevention sites
- TREAT to find substance use treatment and support services
- OD to tell us about toxic drugs so we can warn others
- MAP to confirm or change the area you want to receive alerts for
- HELP (or AIDE) for help with this text service
- STOP (or ARRET) to stop receiving texts from this number
- START (or COMMENCER) to rejoin this service after texting STOP
Send and receive Toxic Drug and Health Alerts by text
To sign up, text the word JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS).
When you sign up you’ll be asked which health region you want to get alerts for. You can choose more than one region or sign up for the whole province. You will receive alerts for all of B.C. if you do not choose an area. To find out which health region you live in, look here.
Once you’ve signed up, you can text the following words for more options:
For more information about texting, read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
- Print Resources
Send and receive Toxic Drug and Health Alerts by text.
Toward the Heart and BCCDC have partnered with health authority and community partners to send anonymous toxic drug and health alerts by text in B.C.
Toxic drug and health alerts is a free, real-time text messaging service for anyone to receive toxic drug alerts or share information about toxic drugs in their community. This service is anonymous.
People can get other information by text message, like where to find naloxone or how to get drugs tested.
Toxic drug and health alerts are currently available in Interior, Fraser, Northern, Vancouver, and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.
To sign up, text the word JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS).
Overdose Prevention Sites
Overdose Prevention Sites are locations where people can use illegal drugs under supervision by trained staff who can provide emergency response services if necessary. The Health Authority links below have the most current information.
Vancouver Coastal | Interior BC | Vancouver Island | Northern BC | Fraser
Drug Checking Services
Drug checking services are now offered by a variety of harm reduction service providers across BC. The links below include the most current information.
Vancouver Coastal | Interior BC | Vancouver Island | Northern BC | Fraser
For more information and locations see:
- BC Centre on Substance Use: https://drugcheckingbc.ca/
- Vancouver Island Drug Checking Project: substance.uvic.ca
Find Overdose Prevention Sites
Choose "Overdose Prevention Site" from the supply options below.
Updates
Report Bad Dope (Greater Vancouver)
Help warn people and save lives by filling in an anonymous form.
Prevent & Respond to Overdoses
Know the risks, signs and responses for the different kinds of overdoses.
Safer Sex & Drug Use
While nothing is completely safe, there are ways you can reduce your risk.
