Skip to content

Island Health issues overdose advisory for Nanaimo and Parksville

Health authority offers strategies for safer drug consumption
17904784_web1_190730-NBU-Island-Health-OD-Advisory-2_1
NEWS BULLETIN file photo

There number of overdoses that have happened already this week has caused the region’s health authority to take notice.

Island Health issued an overdose advisory for Nanaimo and Parksville on Monday afternoon due to an increase in overdoses in the past 24 hours.

The advisory urges anyone who sees someone overdosing to call 911, provide rescue breathing and to administer naloxone. Island Health recommends that drug users get high with at least one other person and “try a little” before taking a “regular hit.” Another strategy for those using drugs with multiple people is to stagger consumption so that not all users are high at the same time, allowing someone to provide medical assistance in the event of an overdose.

Island Health could not be reached for comment.

RELATED: Overdose deaths down 30% so far in 2019, B.C. officials ‘cautiously optimistic’

RELATED: Supervised consumption sites will no longer require public hearings



nicholas.pescod@nanaimobulletin.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter