“Much higher numbers of deaths”: Health officials explain region-wide overdose alert for Interior

In response, people who use drugs are being warned: test, before you ingest.

“In Penticton and in Kamloops, in drug checking recently we’ve been finding more variable fentanyl concentrations in the ‘down’ or the opioids that people might be accessing,” explains ASK Wellness operational technician and factotum Kile McKenna.

Drop-off sample testing is available seven days a week at ASK Wellness in Kamloops, using the red door at the back of 433 Tranquille Road.

“Definitely best practice whenever people are able,” notes McKenna. “Just by knowing what’s in their substances, they’re able to make safer decisions around how to use them.”

ASK also offers in-person testing four days a week at its Kamloops facility, as well as take-home fentanyl test strips. Similar options are also available in Merritt and Penticton.

“Never using alone is also extra critical at this point,” adds McKenna.

Owning and knowing how to use a naloxone kit is still an important part of harm reduction. And for people who do use alone, Dr. Fenton points to the Lifeguard app.

“It’s just an app on your phone, and you push a button to let the app know that you’re going to use substances. Then it checks on you in a few minutes and if you don’t respond, they can send emergency responders,” she explains. “That’s a really important tool that we have as well.”

There’s heightened urgency around safe practices, but IH reiterates these methods should be used at all times by people who use substances to prevent a deadly outcome.

“Some people struggle with addiction and other people use drugs recreationally and it’s not something that anyone should die over,” adds Dr. Fenton.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

“Much higher numbers of deaths”: Health officials explain region-wide overdose alert for Interior

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