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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