Too many lives have been lost to the toxic drug crisis
“In April of 2016, the Provincial Health Officer of British Columbia declared a public health emergency related to the number of people dying from opioid poisonings. From 2016 and to the end of 2020 we lost 1,075 people in the Vancouver Island Health region to toxic drug poisonings. We take time to remember and honour them as moms and dads, siblings, friends and loved ones who were lost too soon.”
For more information you can also visit:
Vancouver Island Health Authority’s Overdose Prevention webpage
Using alone is the biggest risk.
Here are some options and services available:
Phone Apps
LifeGuard App - can automatically connect you to emergency responders if you become unresponsive.
BeSafe Community/Brave App – connects you with community members when you are vulnerable to an overdose.
Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral Service
Toll fee 1-800-663-1441. Free 24/7 confidential multilingual information and referral to community resources. Information about detox, counselling, treatment, recovery, and support groups
1-888-688-NORS (6677) - Phone Hotline
National Overdose Response Service - an overdose prevention hotline that provides loving, confidential, non-judgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs
Crisis Support Lines
Kuu-us Aboriginal Crisis Line – Call toll free: 1-888-588-8717
Vancouver Island Crisis Line – Call toll free: 1 888 494 3888 Text: 250-800-3806
Naloxone
Naloxone in available for free in our community. See our Naloxone Page for places you can get it
or visit:
Toward the Heart for more Information
Campbell River-Based Services
Campbell River has a number of support services available
You can learn more about what tools we have in our community here, on our community resources page
General tips for Safer Use:
Start Low and Go Slow
Fix with a Friend
One Drug at a time
Visit Campbell River’s Overdose Prevention Site
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
1330 Dogwood Street, Unit #5
Campbell River
V9W 3A6
250-287-9969
Fax: 250-287-9858
Hours of Operation
Seven days a week, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., injection and inhalation
HARM REDUCTION SERVICES
• Harm reduction supplies
• Overdose Prevention Services – witnessed consumption for safer drug use and rapid overdose response
• Education for safer drug use
• Referrals and links to other services
• Referral to and assistance navigating social and health care systems
“…is the reason I got involved in this field – because substance users are people, who are inherently worthy of respect and empathy.”
— 2018/19 Community Report Participant