Interior Health issues drug advisory over fake Dilaudid tablets
The Interior Health Authority(IHA) has issued a drug advisory on fake Dilaudid tablets containing...
Category: Overdose
Interior Health addresses ongoing efforts on drug crisis in latest report
In its latest report, Interior Health reaffirms its efforts and progress made in addressing the...
Toxic drugs claims 198 lives in July 2023, BC Coroners Service reports
At least 198 toxic unregulated drug deaths have been registered in July 2023 across British...
Toxic drugs claims 184 lives in June, no new deaths for Merritt
During the four first months of 2023, four people have died from unregulated drugs in Merritt. Data released by the BC Coroners Service indicates that there haven’t been any new deaths in town.
Interior Health urges drug checking as toxic drug emergency continues
Interior Health Authority (IHA) is reminding the public of the value of drug checking services as B.C.’s toxic drug emergency continues unabated.
Toxic drugs claim 176 lives in May, no new deaths for Merritt
In May 2023, the first month in year eight of this public health emergency, 176 people died from drug overdoses.
Merritt sees four illicit drug deaths through first four months of 2023
Four people have died from unregulated drugs in Merritt through the first four months of 2023, with 814 lives lost throughout the province.
Nearly 600 toxic drug deaths in first quarter of 2023
As B.C.’s toxic drug crisis drags on, the latest report from the BC Coroners Service shows that illicit drugs claimed the lives of nearly 600 people in the first three months of 2023, including 177 newly reported lives lost in February, followed by 197 in March.
Toxic drug deaths top 200 for eighth time in 16 months
The province has released its latest preliminary toxic drugs deaths report, which showed that at least 211 individuals los their lives to B.C.’s toxic drug supply in January.
2022 records second most toxic drug deaths in B.C. history
In 2022, British Columbia saw its second deadliest year on record since the start of the province’s drug toxicity public health emergency in April 2016.
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act exemption takes effect
As of January 31, 2023, the possession of some illicit drugs has been decriminalized by a first-in-the-nation three year trial exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Discussing the ‘Controlled Drugs and Substances Act’
The Merritt RCMP currently respond to calls of public drug use on an almost daily basis, but users rarely see charges for possession alone, Acting Detachment Commander Sgt. Josh Roda tells the Herald.
Province addresses Mayor Goetz’s decriminalization comments
The provincial government is looking to reassure British Columbians of their decision to apply for an exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amid some public backlash.
Mayor Goetz concerned about new B.C. drug exemptions
Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz has some concerns over the province’s new exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which ensures individuals found with limited amounts of certain illegal drugs won’t face criminal charges for their possession.
Merrittonian wins award for youth support work
After suffering from addiction and being taken away from her family, Cherokee Bent turned a new leaf, dedicating her time and energy to help others that were in similar situations as her.
B.C. report shows relationship between homelessness deaths and toxic drug overdose
Preliminary reporting from the BC Coroners Service shows in 2021, 93% of all accidental deaths among people experiencing homelessness were identified as being caused by the illicit drug supply.
Harm reduction convention at the Civc Centre
Local organizations such as Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society (SCHSS) are looking to educate people to prevent any cases of toxic drug use in the community.
Province releases July drug toxicity report
The province is currently going through another public health emergency in the toxic drug crisis, which has again resulted in a record high number of deaths for the seventh straight calendar month.
New youth social service centre in Kamloops announced
Foundry Kamloops will serve as another resource for youth in Kamloops and surrounding areas, like Merritt, to address both mental health and substance issues.
Bass Coast promotes safer festival experience
Bass Coast’s harm reduction program has been steadily growing year by year, giving attendees invaluable service ranging from a providing safe spaces to education of safe sex and drug use.
