VCH, the Vancouver Police Department, RCMP, and other BC health agencies have launched the Know Your Source? awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a narcotic that is 50-100 times more toxic than other narcotics. It is usually prescribed to control severe pain, but illegal fentanyl is now showing up in liquid, powder and pill form, masked in many street drugs. It is particularly high risk for people who may mistakenly use fentanyl thinking it is something else. These users are in danger of dying, even on their first use of fentanyl.

Over the past three years there has been a province-wide increase in the number of illicit drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl, either alone or combined with other drugs. BC Coroners Service reports that there were over 300 illicit drug overdose deaths in 2014. Preliminary data suggests that fentanyl was detected in approximately one quarter of these deaths, as compared to 5% of deaths in 2012.

Given the spike in overdose deaths, police and health authorities believe there is an increased amount of fentanyl in circulation, and are warning those who use these drugs, even on a recreational basis, of the increased danger, especially as they may be unaware of what they are taking.

Spread the word

Since March 2nd, over 12, 000 people have viewed the Know Your Source? website, and over 200, 000 Facebook users have seen our ads online. Help spread the word about this lifesaving campaign by visiting KnowYourSource.ca. Email sara.young@vch.ca to request copies of the poster for your VCH site.