The mayor of Kamloops says he is growing more and more worried about the overdose crisis as things appear to once again be getting worse.

With the Interior Health Authority issuing an overdose alert after detecting an influx of the deadly opioid carfentanil in the street level drug supply and seven overdoses in a single day in nearby Kelowna, Ken Christian is calling for action.

“I am just overly concerned about this and it is getting worse not better. I am talking to other mayors and to the government about changing the paradigm here. I think that we need to look at hydromorphone dispensing and having alternatives for those people who are addicted to opioids.”

Christian says with a contaminated and deadly drug supply recreational users should stay away and addicts who can’t help themselves should never use alone.

“Right now there is contaminated drugs on the street and as they come in with spikes in carfentanil or fentanyl they take there toll. This is what is happening right now. Do not use alone if you are a user. That is the biggest message out there.”

Christian says addicts who are using should also ensure a naloxone kit is nearby.

He says in the longer term more beds and treatment options are needed to offer addicts expanded services.