A Toxic Drug Poisonings Alert issued by Interior Health for Williams Lake will remain in effect until April first.
Harm Reduction Coordinator Alison Houweling said this alert is different than some others because it’s not a result of drug testing ,what Interior Health has been typically doing, this is because there has been a higher number of overdoses.
“So this Alert is related to any opioids and it’s not attached to any drug samples specifically except the descriptions has impacted people who are using fentanyl or down so it’s opioid related.
Houweling said the Alert can be like a notification to family or friends if they know someone who uses drugs that this is an opportunity for them to reach out and connect with them and let them know that there are supports for them.
“We do have a drug checking service in Williams Lake. This is new and located at the Hamilton Shelter operating Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 1 to 3:30 pm for drop in. As well people should take caution when using substances and people in Williams Lake should take extra caution at this time.”
Houweling said there are many steps to take to prevent overdose.
“You can get your drugs checked. Be aware of an increase risk if mixing with other drugs including alcohol. Use with others around or you can use the Life Guard App or the Brave App that can be downloaded to your phone. If they are using drugs they can press a button and the the Alert will connect with them back and if they don’t press anything then the Alert notifies the Ambulance,” Housweling noted.