By Pete McIntyre

Interior Health warns public of drug overdose spike

Mar 1, 2016 | 10:02 AM

VERNON, B.C. — Drug overdoes are on the rise across British Columbia.

Dr Trevor Corneil, medical health officer with Interior Health, says there was 60 in their coverage area last year, and 15 in January this year alone.

“There are a few factors. A major one is the introduction of fentanyl (synthetic opiate) into the illicit system about five plus years ago,” Corneil told our affiliate Kiss FM.

Corneil says 80 percent of the fatal overdoses involved opiates.

“But it’s important to remember two thirds of the cases don’t have fentanyl in them. They usually are a mix of heroin, prescription medication and cocaine.”

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He says the distribution network for illicit opiates has also improved, giving people more access to them.

“There’s a huge amount of fentanyl in Calgary right now and that’s making it’s way to the Okanagan. The connections between certain cities no longer seems to be a barrier.”

Corneil says Interior Health has various harm reduction activities such as needle exchanges or kits containing the drug naloxone that can reverse the opiates in someone’s system instantaneously.

To access treatment services, contact IHA’s mental health and substance use services at 250-549-5737 or the Ask Wellness Outreach Program at 250-376-7558.