Interior Health is reporting a recent increase in suspected drug overdose deaths in its region.
IH says preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service suggests nine suspected overdose deaths happened between January 23-27.
Their initial report said seven deaths were suspected to be the result of overdoses between January 23-26 but two more deaths believed to be caused from overdoses happened Saturday.
Residents who are using or considering using drugs are being asked to reconsider.
IH still hasn’t identified the communities where the deaths happened.
The exact causes of the deaths will be confirmed once investigations are complete.
Those who choose to use are advised to not mix different drugs, carry a Naloxone kit and know how to use it, not use alone and to recognized the signs of an overdose such as no breathing or lips and fingertips turning blue.
