Overdose alert issued for Penticton

Penticton drug users are being urged to exercise caution in the wake of a recent increase in suspected drug overdoses in the area.

Interior Health is reporting a rise in the number of opioid overdoses in the Penticton community after people have used what was believed to be a stimulant or upper, such as amphetamines or methamphetamines.

Anyone using illegal drugs is advised to take steps to reduce the risk:

For safety sake:

•    Get your drugs checked for the presence of fentanyl available at the SOWINS (South Okanagan Women in Need Society) mobile outreach van. Call or text (250) 809-7054. For more information visit: www.drugchecking.ca
•    Remember, smoking substances can still lead to overdose, take measures to prevent overdose.
•    Avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together.
•    Don’t use alone. Leave the door unlocked. Tell someone to check on you.
•    Test by using a small amount, then go slow.
•    Carry a Naloxone kit and know how to use it.
•    Use at overdose prevention or supervised consumption site if one is near you. Know the signs of overdose and how to respond
•    Recognize the signs of an OD: slow or no breathing, gurgling or gasping, lips/fingertips turning blue, difficult to rouse (awaken), non-responsive.
•    Call 9-1-1 immediately
•    Open airway and give rescue breaths
•    Give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it.

For more resources and links related to overdose and substance use visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/Leadership/MHO/Pages/PHEmergency.aspx.

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