Toxic Drug and Health Alerts
This page contains information about the Toxic Drug and Health Alerts system in BC.
Alerts
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VCH - Drug Alert - Vancouver DTES March 27, 2026 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health
***Drug Alert - Vancouver Downtown Eastside - March 27, 2026***
VCH has issued a drug alert.
Light purple chunk sold as down in the DTES of Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and medetomidine, a non-opioid tranquilizer. Substance caused overdose.
Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking.
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VCH - Drug Alert - South VancouverMarch 27, 2026 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health
***Drug Alert - South Vancouver - March 27, 2026***
VCH has issued a drug alert.
White powder and light pink powder sold as down in South Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and medetomidine, a non-opioid tranquilizer.
Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking.
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VCH - Drug Alert - VancouverMarch 25, 2026 • Posted by Vancouver Coastal Health
***Drug Alert - Vancouver - March 25, 2026***
VCH has issued a drug alert:
White rectangular counterfeit Xanax tablet with imprints “XANAX” and “2” seized in Vancouver tested positive for ethylbromazolam, bromazolam and desalkylgidazepam, 3 novel benzodiazepine analogs. May cause sedation.
Check your drugs: https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking
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Island Health - Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Campbell RiverMarch 25, 2026 • Posted by Island Health
***Drug Poisoning Overdose Advisory - Campbell River - Mar 25, 2026***
Drug poisonings are increasing in Campbell River. Friends, family and community members using unregulated substances face increased risk.
For more information on harm reduction supports visit Overdose Prevention Services.
Click here for a printable version of the poster.
Sign up and receive Toxic Drug and Health Alerts by text.
Toward the Heart and BCCDC have partnered with health authority and community partners to send anonymous toxic drug and health alerts by text in B.C.
Toxic drug and health alerts is a free, real-time text messaging service for anyone to receive toxic drug alerts or share information about toxic drugs in their community. This service is anonymous.
People can get other information by text message, like where to find naloxone or how to get drugs tested.
Toxic drug and health alerts are currently available in Interior, Fraser, Northern, Vancouver Island, and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.
To sign up, text the word JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS). Message and data rates may apply.
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Health Authority Regions Map
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Instructions
- MENU to see all the options and tools for this service
- FIND to find harm reduction supplies
- NARCAN to learn where naloxone kits are available
- SAFE to find overdose prevention sites
- TREAT to find substance use treatment and support services
- OD to tell us about toxic drugs so we can warn others
- MAP to confirm or change the area you want to receive alerts for
- HELP (or AIDE) for help with this text service
- STOP (or ARRET) to stop receiving texts from this number
- START (or COMMENCER) to rejoin this service after texting STOP
Send and receive Toxic Drug and Health Alerts by text
To sign up, text the word JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS).
When you sign up you’ll be asked which health region you want to get alerts for. You can choose more than one region or sign up for the whole province. You will receive alerts for all of B.C. if you do not choose an area. To find out which health region you live in, look here.
Once you’ve signed up, you can text the following words for more options:
For more information about texting, read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
- Print Resources
HelpStartsHere
For more information on mental health, wellbeing, and substance use resources and supports visit HelpStartsHere (gov.bc.ca).
Indigenous Health Resources
The BCCDC Indigenous Health Resources page has information for Indigenous peoples and communities including supports and services for peope who use substances.
Virtual Overdose Prevention Services
Connect is a life-saving app that links app users to mental health and substance use resources. A key feature is the Use Alone Timer to stay protected during substance use.
App users can begin the timer prior to consumption and reset the timer when they are safe. If they become unresponsive, paramedics will be automatically alerted.
The National Overdose Response Service is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians, providing loving, confidential, nonjudgmental support for you whenever and wherever you use drugs. Canada Wide.
Call 1-888-688-NORS(6677)
Overdose Prevention Sites
Overdose Prevention Sites are locations where people can use illegal drugs under supervision by trained staff who can provide emergency response services if necessary. The Health Authority links below have the most current information.
Vancouver Coastal | Interior BC | Vancouver Island | Northern BC | Fraser
Drug Checking Services
Drug checking services are now offered by a variety of harm reduction service providers across BC. The links below include the most current information.
Vancouver Coastal | Interior BC | Vancouver Island | Northern BC | Fraser
For more information and locations see:
- BC Centre on Substance Use: https://drugcheckingbc.ca/
- Vancouver Island Drug Checking Project: substance.uvic.ca
BC Drug and Poison Control Centre
BC Drug & Poison Control Centre
If you suspect someone has been poisoned by a medicine, chemical or other substance, call the Poison Control Centre at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911 (24 hrs)
For more information on signs of a stimulant toxicity see:
Find Overdose Prevention Sites
Choose "Overdose Prevention Site" from the supply options below.
Updates
Report Bad Dope (Greater Vancouver)
Help warn people and save lives by filling in an anonymous form.
Prevent & Respond to Overdoses
Know the risks, signs and responses for the different kinds of overdoses.
Safer Sex & Drug Use
While nothing is completely safe, there are ways you can reduce your risk.
