The Prince George needle exchange at Third and George will be opened seven days a week and work as an overdose prevention site, Northern Health said Friday.
Staff are equipped with naloxone, used to reverse the effects of overdosing on fentanyl and heroin, and have received the appropriate training
"Overdose levels remain high in our region, and immediate action can save lives," Northern Health chief medical health officer Sandra Allison. "We're expanding the hours we'll be open with staff present to support people who are looking for a safe place to keep warm, and also for staff to be able to respond quickly if an overdose occurs."
Sites in Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria have also been opened as part of the provincial government's response to the opioid overdose crisis.
"Given the cold weather situation and a recent spike in overdoses in November, health authorities are moving quickly to set up overdose-prevention sites in areas where we are seeing significant numbers of people overdosing," said Health Minister Terry Lake.
"This is an emergency measure intended to save people's lives."
Northern Health is also distributing and providing training on the use of take-home Naloxone kits for vulnerable populations and their close contacts. More information on where to find a Naloxone kit is available at www.towardtheheart.com.
