B.C. Centre for Disease Control

04/01/2026

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG ALERT for Vernon and surrounding area due to crystal m**h/side/m**hamphetamine chunks sold as crystal m**h testing positive for undiluted p-fluorofentanyl.

04/01/2026

Drug checking is a harm reduction service that allows people to determine what is in their substances and potentially take action to reduce the risk of any associated harms.

03/27/2026

Check out this great 3-part series on consent and s*x:
- What is consent
- How do I say ‘no’ to s*x?
- When saying ‘no’ feels hard

Find them and other s*xual health resources at: https://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/indigenous-health-resources

03/25/2026

There is an increased risk of poisoning because sedatives are being mixed in with opioids.

Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
• Buddy up. If you are alone, use the Connect by Lifeguard app
• If possible, have your drugs tested
• Sign up for toxic drug alerts. You will receive text messages about toxic drugs circulating in your area. Text Join to 253787 (ALERTS)
• Carry naloxone. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 and give rescue breaths along with naloxone
• The safest option is to avoid unregulated opioids. Ask a health care provider about alternatives like opioid agonist therapy (OAT).

Learn more about mental health and substance use supports by going to https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

For Harm reduction supplies and naloxone visit https://towardtheheart.com/site-finder

03/24/2026

For World TB Day, get a behind-the-scenes look at how we test for (TB) in BC.

When you provide a sample, it goes through a three-step process:
1. Look for TB bacteria under a microscope
2. Test for the DNA of TB bacteria to confirm a diagnosis
3. Sequence the entire genome of the TB bacteria to better understand which treatments may be effective and to monitor for transmission and outbreaks

TB is a serious disease caused by a bacteria. It is curable with medication. The first step to getting treated is to get diagnosed. Test results are usually available in 24 to 48 hours so people can get started on treatment quickly.

03/20/2026

Almost 30% of calls to the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) are for children under six years old. Medications, cannabis products, ci******es or vapes, alcohol, household cleaners, button batteries and other household items can all be dangerous for kids. The best way to prevent poisonings or harmful exposures is to keep these types of things out of sight, out of reach, in a locked cabinet, drawer or box.

DPIC launched a new public dashboard this week that shows a summary of all the calls they've received since 2012. Visit bccdc.ca/dpicdashboard to see the most common reasons for calls and poison prevention tips for different types of substances.

03/18/2026

Nearly 30% of calls to the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) are for children under six years old. If you have kids or care for children, make sure to lock up or safely store medications, household cleaners, cannabis products and other things that could harm them.

Always call 9-1-1 during a medical emergency. When you need expert advice about a potential poisoning or harmful exposure, call DPIC at 1-800-567-8911.

03/16/2026

It's National Poison Prevention Week. Do you know who to call if an adult or child has been exposed to poisons?

The BC Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) supports people and health professionals in British Columbia and the Yukon with a 24/7 phone line staffed by experts. They can walk you through what do if you or someone you care for may have been exposed to a harmful substance or poison. If you're with someone who's unconscious, having a seizure, experiencing difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 9-1-1. For any other possible poisonings or exposures, call DPIC at 1-800-567-8911.

DPIC launched a public dashboard this week that shows the types of substances they get the most calls about. Visit https://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/data-reports/drug-and-poison-information-centre-dashboard to learn more.

03/11/2026

Today on National Day of Observance for COVID-19 we remember and mourn those we lost during the pandemic. We recognize and hold space for those who lost loved ones and those living with long COVID, whose symptoms continue to affect their health and daily lives.

When COVID-19 emerged, it presented unprecedented challenges. We honour and appreciate the frontline workers, researchers, public health teams, partners, leaders and communities who worked so hard to respond to the situation and keep others safe.

We know that COVID-19 touched everyone but its effects were not experienced equally. The pandemic amplified existing inequities and disproportionately impacted some communities. As we reflect today, we remain committed to addressing these inequities, upholding Indigenous rights, and working alongside health partners to strengthen population health and wellness.

03/10/2026

Trying to find a trusted source for s*xual health information can feel like swiping through a dating app, trying to find the right match for you. AI tools seem like quick and easy solutions, but they are often inaccurate, and that can be harmful. Choosing SmartSexResource will give you peace of mind knowing you have matched with a trusted source. Learn more at https://smarts*xresource.com/.

03/09/2026