Toxic drug alert issued for Dawson Creek

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Bright pink pills being sold as fentanyl have caused an increase in overdoses in Dawson Creek, according to Northern Health.

The health authority issued a toxic drug alert for the city on Saturday, January 25th, saying the pills have been linked to “sudden overdoses requiring naloxone and/or hospitalization”.

Drug users in the region are urged to get overdose prevention training, and to carry naloxone when they plan to use. Naloxone is a medication that can be used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Beyond that, the health authority also urges residents to avoid using drugs alone, to take precautions like using the Lifeguard app if they have no other choice, and to reduce their dose significantly if they’re sick or haven’t used drugs for an extended period of time.

It also recommends users avoid mixing drugs and alcohol, and to test small amounts of whatever drugs they intend to use before consuming them.

A temporary Overdose Prevention Site (OPS), where users can take drugs in a monitored environment, has been established in Dawson Creek at 1001 110th Ave.

The site is free and open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

The toxic drug alert is set to last until February 8th. In the event of an overdose, call 911.