Toxic drug alert in Terrace, BC

Northern Health has issued a toxic drug alert for Terrace following a significant increase in drug poisoning and overdose events in the city.

"The overdoses have been linked to smoking a purple substance sold as 'down'," the release by Nothern Health stated. The purple substance can cause prolonged sedation which requires several doses of Naloxone to reverse.

The alert will stay in place until April 3, 2024.

Some of the safety measures shared by Northern Health are as follows:

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone.
• Try not to 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 or call National Overdose Response Service (NORS) 1-888-688-6677.
• 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, start low and go slow.
• Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) if possible (see Terrace location listed below)
• Get your drugs checked with the Terrace Specialized Mental Health and Substance Use Team (formerly ICMT). Drop off samples for FTIR analysis seven days per week between 8:30 am to 8 pm.

Terrace Specialized Mental Health and Substance Use Outreach Team can be reached at 250-631-4647.