Drug overdose rates have stabilized in Port Alberni, but are decreasing in other island cities.
Mid-Island medical health officer Dr. Paul Hasselback says first quarter statistics are encouraging.
“Some of the areas on the island are starting to see decreases, and those areas started seeing an increase before the Alberni Valley,” said Hasselback. “So we’re seeing a stabalization of levels in the Alberni Valley, which is a very good sign given that we were looking at several years where we were seeing increases,” he said.
Hasselback said in the first three months of the year, there were fewer than 5 overdose deaths, and 18 ambulance rescues.
He credits an increase of public understanding and support programs, and double the number of people entering methodone or other rehabilitation programs.
