Overdose alert issued for Penticton and South Okanagan

Interior Health has issued an overdose alert today, Nov. 4, for Penticton and the South Okanagan.

"There has been a large increase in 911 calls for ingestion poisoning, which includes overdose events, in the South Okanagan — mostly in Penticton but also some overdose activity in the Oliver and Osoyoos area," the alert states.

"Reports from the community indicate a dark pink and purple substance sold as down may be involved."

The alert is in place until Nov. 11.

For the sake of safety, the health authority said to avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together.

They recommend getting drugs checked and to not use alone.

The Lifeguard app can connect users to 911 emergency responders in the case of an overdose.


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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.

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