A drug poisoning alert has been issued for Williams Lake and the surrounding area by Interior Heath (IH) on Friday 8 November due to the ongoing increase in fatal and non-fatal overdoses.

In a bulletin accompanying the alert, IH notes that no matter what or how you use (smoked, snorted, injected, eaten) take steps to prevent overdose:

Anyone using drugs is encouraged to get tested. To find drug testing locations, go drugchecking.ca.

IH warns that people should be aware of the increased risk if they mix it with other drugs, including alcohol.

“Use one person at a time so someone can respond to the overdose if necessary. Use with others around you. Start with a small amount and space your doses out.”

It is also recommended to carry Naloxone and know how to use it, as well as download the LifeGuard app – lifeguarddh.com.

Call 211 or visit bc211.ca to find services near you.

Places where drugs can be checked in Williams Lake include