Northern Health issues toxic drug alert

PRINCE GEORGE—Northern Health is issuing a toxic drug alert for the community of Prince George. This comes after a grey chunk sold as “down” tested positive for high levels of sedatives including Xylazine, a benzo called Bromazolam, and Fentanyl. This drug can cause severe and prolonged sedation, black outs, and memory loss.

Northern Health is asking everyone to be careful and to share widely as drugs move throughout the North. They also included a list of safety recommendations below:

• 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
• 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 Prince George locations listed below)
• Get your drugs checked at Two Doors Down (Hours: 4 days a week, 1 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays)
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses

There are two overdose prevention sites in Prince George. Two Doors Down is located at 1126 3^rd Ave, and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5-9 p.m. The second is Northern Health Needle Exchange and Harm Reduction Clinic located on 277 George St and is open Monday to Saturday from 1-6 p.m.