An overdose is when more drugs have been taken than the body can handle. 

Learn the signs of an overdose

Concerned about someone?

Having courageous conversations about substance use begins by being a good listener. Learn more about how to reach out to the people you care about. 

How to have courageous conversations - BC Gov

For parents

Letter to parents and caregivers about drug overdose
Talking to youth about drug overdoses

For youth

What youth need to know about drug overdoses
Youth handout: Reduce your risk of a drug overdose

Unintentional deaths and injury from opioid overdose are preventable with overdose and naloxone education. Naloxone can quickly reverse an overdose. People can be trained to recognize and respond to an overdose by using a free take home naloxone kit. The training is free and takes 20 minutes. Find the nearest Take Home Naloxone site in the VCH area with the map below. For sites across BC, visit Toward the Heart - Site Locator. 

• Watch this video from Toward the Heart about how to use naloxone
  

• How to use naloxone infographic
  

• Naloxone risk assessment tool for non-public sector organizations
  

• Naloxone risk assessment tool for public sector organizations
  

‎Read the latest overdose statistics & VCH actions to address the crisis.

• January 2018
  
• February 2018
  

2017

• December 2017
  
• November 2017
• October 2017
  
• September 2017
  
• August 2017
  
• July 2017
  
• June 2017
• May 2017
• April 2017
• March 2017
  
• February 2017
  
• January 2017
  

2016

• December 2016
  
• November 2016
  
• October 2016
  
• September 2016
  
• August 2016
  
• June 2016
  
• May 2016
  

• View the VCH overdose surveillance updates.
  

• Visit the Opioid addiction & treatment page to find the overdose prevention checklist for service providers and the guideline for the treatment of opioid addiction for physicians.