(Interior Health/Contributed)

Interior Health issues drug alert after cocaine found contaminated with fentanyl

The alert is in effect until Aug. 6

  • Jul. 30, 2021 12:00 a.m.

Interior Health is issuing a drug alert for Kelown after cocaine sold in the area was found to contain fentanyl.

The health authority says there is a high risk of overdose when using stimulants contaminated with fentanyl.

The alert is in effect until Aug. 6.

To reduce the risk, Interior Health suggests the following:

  • Get your drugs checked
  • Avoid using different drugs at the same time or using drugs and alcohol together.
  • Don’t use alone or ask someone to check on you.
  • If you must use while alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.
  • When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.
  • Use at an overdose prevention or supervised consumption site, if one is near you.
  • Know how to respond to an overdose — call 911, give rescue breaths and naloxone.

Drug checking is available at the UBCO campus (Room 336 UNC) daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at the Living Positive Resource Centre (255 Lawrence Avenue) from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Living positive at 778-753-5830.

A supervised consumption site is available at 455 Leon Avenue seven days a week.

You can find more info on where to get naloxone kits at towardtheheart.com.

More info is available at drugchecking.ca.

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@michaelrdrguezmichael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com

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