An overdose advisory for the City of Campbell River has been extended by Island Health.
The health authority says overdoses are increasing and friends, family and community members using opioids are facing increased risk from injection and inhalation.
They recommend users not use alone, but rather in the presence of a friend or at an overdose prevention site. In Campbell River, that location is the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society at 1330 Dogwood St.
The society is open seven days per week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. They offer harm reduction supplies, overdose prevention services, education for safer drug use and witnessed consumption.
Island Health asks you to download the Connect by Lifeguard or the Brave apps if you are using alone. They add some of the apps have Naloxone and CPR guidance and connect you to help if an accidental overdose occurs.
They say starting with low doses and going slow, carrying naloxone and knowing the signs so you can get help are also necessary steps.
If someone is overdosing, they say to call 911, give naloxone and one breath every 5 seconds.
