Despite promising overdose fatality stats for Kamloops, experts warn substance users of unsafe supply

Experts say part of this is because many substance users have learned what to avoid, but note that the lower fatalities can also be attributed to public education, new treatments, and naloxone distribution.

“In 2018, Interior Health saw 233 overdose-related deaths,” explains Mental Health and Substance Use Practice Lead Jessica Mensinger. “So far this year until the end of October we’ve seen 114 (deaths) so we’re not finished this year, but this is why we’re cautiously optimistic.”

The Interior Health Authority has the lowest rate of overdose deaths in the province so far this year, and Mensinger says that it hasn’t come without effort.

“We’ve seen an increase in the take-home naloxone program and things like an increase in access to Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), and other community treatment options.”

While fatal incidents have declined, the number of 911 calls for overdoses has been steady. According to BC Emergency Health Services, Kamloops averages about 56 calls a month for potential overdoses. That rate has been consistent for the last three years.

Kile McKenna works with ASK Wellness Kamloops as the substance test machine operational technician, and regularly tests the products substance users bring in. With that experience, he says the overdose crisis has led to more people who use drugs being extra cautious.

“The decrease in fatal overdoses I think can in part be contributed to behaviour and awareness around mixing those substances and the problems that can arise,” he says. “But definitely we’re still a good ways away from having a safe or consistent drug supply. There’s new things that we’re finding all the time in different substances. So, unfortunately, I think it’s not an issue that is going to go away any time soon.”

People who use substances within the Interior Health region are being warned about contaminants. IHA says drug tests have found samples of ‘light purple down’ contaminated with toxic levels of fentanyl, and a specific type of synthetic cannabinoid not normally found in an opioid.

McKenna says that there is not a safe drug supply in the Kamloops area.

“We’re seeing two kinds of big trends. One of them is higher than average fentanyl content in the fentanyl. So this just puts people at increased risk for overdose, as it’s hard to measure how much you’re taking,” he explains, and notes that another round of tests found a synthetic cannabinoid.

“Some of the major concerns around the synthetic cannabinoid getting into the opiate supply is its just very different effects than people are expecting when they are taking them.”

Due to uncertainty around ingredients, McKenna recommends that people have their substances tested before taking them and make sure they are in a safe environment.

“The number one behaviour associated with fatal overdoses is using drugs alone,” he notes. “Things like testing and naloxone, they’re great solutions on their own, and they also give us the opportunity to engage in other conversations around harm reduction.”

Tackling an overdose crisis is not an overnight job, and Mensinger says it’ll take community education and support to continue saving lives.

“(If the public could) consider the way they use their language,” she says, “so the way they address and talk about substances and people that use substances, because that contributes to a reduction in stigma, and it has a huge impact on people’s willingness and ability to access services. It makes a difference.”

Drug Checking Service Times & Locations

Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Branch (185 Royal Ave)
Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Kipp-Mallery Pharmacy (#207-755 McGill Rd – Landmark location by TRU)
Wednesday from 2:00to 6:00 p.m. at ODP (433 Tranquille)
Thursday(alternating) from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Kipp-Mallery Landmark during odd weeks/ASK Wellness Merritt during even weeks.
Kipp-Mallery Landmark on Dec. 19
ASK Wellness Merritt on Dec 12. (no testing Dec 26)

by Dylana Kneeshaw

Despite promising overdose fatality stats for Kamloops, experts warn substance users of unsafe supply

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