Toxic drug alert: Nisga’a Valley Region

There has been an increase in paramedic attended toxic drug poisoning events in the Nisga’a Valley region in Northwest, BC. The majority of drug poisoning events identified by BCEHS (BC Emergency Health Services) are nonfatal, but there is a risk of drug poisoning death when such events occur.

Substances move throughout our region and may present in your community so please share this alert widely and use with caution following the harm reduction messages below.

For your safety

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone
• Don’t 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 and go slow
• Sign up for toxic drug and health alerts by texting the word JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS)
• Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) if possible (see Terrace locations listed below)
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses

Local overdose prevention sites (OPS)

Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) and drug checking services available:

• Terrace Intensive Case Management Team
  101-4450 Grieg Ave, Phone: 250-631-4647
  OPS hours: Monday to Friday, 12 pm to 4 pm (excluding holidays)
  Drug checking services: Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm (excluding holidays)

Local resources and supports

• If you or someone you know are in need of support or resources, please connect with the NVHA Mental Health team at 250-975-1847
• The Nisga’a crisis response line is available 24/7 at 250-975-0991
• We want to do our best to keep everyone safe. If you or anyone you know would like to become specifically trained in overdose response, please e-mail Dr. Gabrielle Rabu at gabrielle.rabu@nisgaahealth.bc.ca

Alert expires: March 9, 2023