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Health authority issues drug overdose warning

Interior Health and the Williams Lake RCMP are adding their voices to those warning of the increasing overdose trend among drug users.

Interior Health and the Williams Lake RCMP are adding their voices to those warning of the increasing overdose trend among drug users in recent months.

“Absolutely these drugs are dangerous  …  we are seeing an increase in deaths,” said Dr. Trevor Corneil, chief medical health officer with the Interior Health Authority.

Corneil said the increase in opioid related overdoses has been “gradual and ongoing” and a significant enough problem that communities are growing more and more concerned.

“People are starting to realize (overdose deaths are) possible. It’s hitting home.”

Interior Health is the latest health authority to issue a public warning and information bulletin outlining ways drug users can stay safe.

Some of the recommendations include: don’t take drugs when you are alone, don’t experiment with higher doses and recognize the signs of an overdose – difficult to wake, turning blue, slow or no breathing, nausea, confusion, vomiting and passing out.

Corneil said knowledge and education is the key to saving lives. He also supports safe consumption sites in communities and encourages those using drugs to access free naloxone kits which can reverse an opioid overdose.

Jordan Davis, harm reduction co-ordinator with the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake, has already been sounding the alarm locally over the increased risks of using street drugs laced with fentanyl, a powerful opioid which gives users a high similar to heroin.

“We want to stress again that anybody using any substances is at high risk of coming in contact with fentanyl,” Davis said, noting even the smallest amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose.

The Williams Lake RCMP also wants the public to understand the inherent risks involved with using illicit drugs and applauds the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake for their efforts to raise awareness.

“We support the harm reduction initiative taken on by Jordan Davis of the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake,” said Staff Sgt. Del Byron.



Angie Mindus

About the Author: Angie Mindus

A desire to travel led me to a full-time photographer position at the Williams Lake Tribune in B.C.’s interior.
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