Island Health has issued a drug poisoning and overdose advisory for Nanaimo, after an increase of drug poisonings in the community.
The Vancouver Island Health Authority issued the advisory on Wednesday, July 3, via a social media post which warned of an increased threat from unregulated drugs in the community.
If someone overdoses, residents are told to call 911 and stay with the person, give naloxone if available and give one breath every five seconds.
Tips being given by Island Health include visiting the local overdose prevention service, which offers drug-checking services, at 250 Albert St. from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Island Health also recommends carrying naloxone, staggering use with a friend, starting low and go slow when using, and only using one substance to a time.
Residents can also text 'JOIN' to 253787 to receive text alerts or text OD to report a drug poisoning.
For more information, community members can visit Island Health's harm-reduction services page at http://ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF to find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services and more.