Overdose prevention

• Toxic drug alert: Fort St. John
• Download this alert (PDF)
• Download this poster (PDF)
• Toxic drug alert: Prince George
• Download this alert (PDF)
• Download this poster (PDF)

Overdose emergency

In April 2016, British Columbia declared a public health emergency in response to a significant increase in overdose deaths, escalating from 200 annually in 2010 to over 2,500 in 2023. Please refer to the Unregulated Drug Poisoning Emergency dashboard for further information.

This increase is driven by the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl, stigma towards people who use substances and the unpredictability of the unregulated drug supply.

Overdose Prevention Sites

Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) are welcoming locations where people can use substances under the supervision of trained staff. These staff members monitor for signs of possible drug poisoning and provide immediate intervention if necessary. Click here to find an OPS near you.

Wildfires/extreme weather and substance use

• Emergency evacuee guidance for the public - Province of British Columbia
• Extreme cold resource (PDF) - Toward the Heart
• Getting prescriptions and carries during extreme weather (PDF) - Toward the Heart
• Prepare for an extreme heat event: A guide for people who use substances (PDF) - Toward the Heart
• Prepare an extreme heat kit (PDF) - Toward the Heart
• Stay safe during extreme heat events (PDF) - Toward the Heart
• Using substances during extreme heat (PDF) - Toward the Heart

Additional Overdose Prevention Services available

• Addiction treatment
• Drug checking
• Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT)
• Supports for families and loved ones
• Take home Naloxone
• Youth services

News and data

British Columbia has decriminalized drug possession for personal use until January 31, 2026. Adults can now possess up to 2.5 grams of illicit substances without penalties. BC is also strengthening regulations to prohibit drug use in public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks.

More information

• BC coroners reports (see drugs section)
• Northern Health overdose prevention and response: Regional update (January 2022)
  • Previous update (May 2021)
• Overdoses in Northern BC (Updated: February 9, 2022)
• Overdoses in all of BC

Safer substance use

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of overdose:

• Don't use alone
• Start with a small amount
• Mixing substances, including alcohol, increases risk of overdose
• Use where help is easily available (e.g. around other people)
• Use less. If you took a break, were in detox/treatment or jail, or are new to use, your tolerance is lower
• If you have ever experienced an overdose, this may increase your risk to overdose again
• Make a plan/know how to respond in case of an overdose
• Get the Lifeguard app (BC Govt)

Information for health professionals

Health professionals and service providers have a vital role in overdose prevention and response. This area contains links to trusted resources and information to help those working to save lives and reduce harms.

• BCCSU training opportunities - BC Centre on Substance Use
• NH stigma reduction modules - Northern Health Learning Hub
• Information for professionals - Toward the Heart

Stigma reduction

• Stop Stigma, Save Lives Campaign - Northern Health
• Combatting Stigma across BC - BC Govt

Information from other organizations

• Overdose prevention and harm reduction: Get informed - FNHA
• Harm reduction services - BCCDC
• BC Centre on substance use - BCCSU
• Overdose prevention and response in BC - BC Govt
• Stop overdose - BC Govt

Peer support resources

The involvement of people with lived or living experience of drug use (peers) is a critical component of effective overdose prevention work. A network has been established to support connection between peers in the North, and to enable engagement with health care service providers. For more information, please contact Peer.Network@northernhealth.ca

Community corner

• Saving lives takes a village
• Be safe, be kind, and stop overdose