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At least one Kamloops teenager died from a suspected drug overdose in the community within the past two weeks.

The death comes amidst numerous toxic drug warnings circulating across the Interior Health region and within the city, where officials have warned specifically this month about a purple-coloured down containing five times the amount of fentanyl typically found in illicit drugs and of a general increase in drug overdoses in February.

Erin Toews, a spokesperson for Interior Health, said the health authority could not confirm due to privacy concerns when asked if a teen had died in the city recently from a drug overdose, whether such a death prompted the recent drug warnings and if those drugs may have caused the overdose death.

KTW is still awaiting word from the BC Coroners service with confirmation of the teen overdose death.

BGC Kamloops (formerly Boys and Girls Club) said it is aware of one overdose death of a Kamloops teen in town, but could not share further details regarding the person due to privacy issues.

BGC Kamloops executive director Traci Anderson said the organization, which operates in connection with many youth serving organizations in town, is concerned about teen drug use in Kamloops given the toxic drugs circulating and the trends staff are noticing.

The non-profit society offers a variety of programs and services to youth, including education and other resources pertaining to drug use.

Abigail Smith, a youth programs leader at BGC Kamloops, said the non-profit is hearing of more frequent drug use amongst teens in Kamloops and noticing more youth who don’t have stable housing or support systems.

Smith, who has worked at BGC Kamloops for five years, said staff is handing out more naloxone kits — an overdose-reversing medication — than ever.

“We became a naloxone site because of the risk of the toxic drug supply and how much youth are using,” she said.

Anderson said the club serves all types of youth, from ages 12 to 24, and from all walks of life, be it a homeless youth or someone living a more mainstream lifestyle at home with their parents.

“Drug addiction has no age limit,” Smith said.

The club typically gives out some 15 naloxone kits per week to youths, but in the last few weeks, the number has been much higher, with staff handing out 15 kits in just a single day earlier this month.

Smith said she believes the spike in demand for the kits is tied to the recent drug alerts and that youth are afraid to lose a friend or sibling to a fatal overdose.

She said in 2021, the organization served 338 youths and estimated 99 per cent were affected by substance use and mental health concerns, as the two go hand in hand, be it their own or that of a friend or family member affecting their lives.

Anderson, who has been with BGC Kamloops for 29 years, estimated that percentage wasn’t nearly as high prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smith said they have seen a gradual increase in the number of youths they assist with substance-use issues over the years, but noted there has been a spike since the pandemic protocols and restrictions disrupted some youth services in town. She said many who need services such as counselling don’t have the Internet access to engage with online alternatives.

Kerry Woehle, BGC Kamloops manager of program operations, said youth come to the club for support with drug issues because it is a low-barrier resource.

Woehle said methamphetamines or heroin are among common drugs of choice for youth, noting the substances are cheap and easier to access than alcohol.

She said parents need to have honest conversations about drug use with their children.

“And don’t be fearful of having those conversations,” Anderson said.

Asked what reasons they hear for youth drug use, Smith said many use because they do not having healthy relationships with their primary caregivers and/or are coping with trauma.

“The reality is a lot of our kids are couch surfing or they’re sleeping outside and using a little bit of meth helps them get through the night,” Smith said.

The BGC Kamloops staff described the resources for drug-affected teens in Kamloops as plentiful, but more are still needed to meet demand — as is greater access.

“There needs to be more places for youth to seek treatment, there needs to be some system change around youth that are aging out of care,” Anderson said. “I’m fearful for our young people.”

Anderson said this is the most vulnerable she has seen teens at risk for drug and alcohol use, homelessness and food insecurity.

BGC Kamloops offers resources and help for youth experiencing addiction issues and can be reached at 250-554-5437. The organization operates out of the John Tod Centre in North Kamloops.

— This story was originally published by Kamloops This Week.

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