HEALTH WARNING

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 | 4:37 pm

There has been an increase in overdoses reported in Fort St. John linked to stimulant use causing deep sedation requiring hospitalization and lengthy monitoring.

This is a general overdose alert, substances circulating in the Northeast region are very toxic. Please take care and share this alert widely.

Northern Health has included safety recommendations below.

For your safety

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone
• Try not to use alone. Make a plan and tell a buddy who can call for help if needed
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less
• When possible, avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol
• Test a small amount first, start low and go slow
• Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) if possible (see Fort St. John locations listed below)
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses

Local overdose prevention site (OPS)

Fort St. John Mobile OPS

• Morning location: Alliance Church parking lot
  Address: 9804 99th Ave, Fort St. John, BC
  Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 12 pm
• Afternoon location: FNHA parking lot
  Address: 10130 100th Ave, Fort St. John, BC
  Hours: Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 4 pm

*Call local OPS line 1-778-256-5483 for more information

Alert expires: July 11, 2023