Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) issued a drug alert on April 24 for the qathet region after orange chunks causing heavy sedation tested positive for fentanyl, xylazine and benzos in the qathet region.
Orange chunks describe the physical appearance of the substance that has caused heavy sedation, according to VCH.
According to a VCH notification, no matter what or how people use drugs (smoking, snorting, injecting), they should take steps to prevent overdose.
This includes checking drugs at vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking.
People using drugs are urged to be aware of increased risk if mixing with other drugs, including alcohol.
Those using drugs are encouraged to use with others around or at an overdose prevention site, such as the one at Powell River Community Resource Centre at 4752 Joyce Avenue.
Drug users are also urged to carry naloxone and know how to use it. The lifeguard app can be downloaded at the Apple app store or Google Play.
Toward the Heart and BC Centre for Disease Control have partnered with health authority and community partners to send anonymous toxic drug and health alerts by text in BC. The alerts are a free, real-time text messaging service for anyone to receive toxic drug alerts or share information about toxic drugs in their community. This service is anonymous.
People can get other information by text message, such as where to find naloxone or how to get drugs tested.
Toxic drug and health alerts are currently available. To sign up, text the word JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS).
