Northern Health has partnered with the POUNDS Project (Preventing Overdose UNDoing Stigma) to provide a new drug checking machine in Downtown Prince George.
“BC is using every tool in our toolbox to tackle the ongoing public health emergency and prevent future deaths due to the toxic drug supply,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Drug checking technology has the power to reduce poisoned drug deaths and save lives. I am grateful that this cost-effective drug-checking machine is coming to Prince George as an additional tool in our response to the drug-poisoning crisis.”
With the new, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy machine, people will be able to test a range of substances, including opioids, stimulants, and other psychoactive drugs.
The machine works by shining light on drug samples, and measuring how that light is absorbed.
The analysis can tell what is in the sample, including the primary components of the substance and if there are any adulterants.
The technician may also be able to provide an estimate of the concentration.
The service will be available at the POUNDS Project six days a week: Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Tuesday to Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..
1/4 To save lives, and help people who use drugs make informed choices, a new Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) drug checking machine is now operational in Prince George, in partnership with the POUNDS Project (Preventing Overdose UNDoing Stigma). pic.twitter.com/Zjr6jNfM4v
— Northern Health (@Northern_Health) August 11, 2022
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