Opioid task force sounds alarm as fentanyl shows up in the Bow Valley

The fentanyl crisis facing big Canadian cities like Calgary is also spreading to the mountain communities in the Bow Valley, health advocates say.

'It has been found in every party drug we're aware of in the Bow Valley. Molly. Blow. Oxy, you name it'

CBC News · Posted: Aug 22, 2018 4:26 PM EDT | Last Updated: August 22, 2018

The Bow Valley Opioid Task Force is trying to get the message across to young seasonal workers who might use party drugs that fentanyl could be present in whatever they're taking. (Bow Valley Opioid Task Force)

The fentanyl crisis facing big Canadian cities like Calgary is spreading to the mountain communities in the Bow Valley, health advocates say.

And they're taking a different tone as they spread the word that fentanyl often shows up in recreational drugs like cocaine and ecstasy.

"Even in one of Canada's most beautiful destinations — there's fentanyl," says the warning on the Bow Valley Opioid Task Force website.

"It has been found in every party drug we're aware of in the Bow Valley. Molly. Blow. Oxy, you name it. As a community, we have to do something about it."

The task force is made up of local governments, public service providers and health officials in Canmore, Banff and the wider Bow Valley.

The website warning about the risks has some striking imagery, like a cork bursting from a champagne bottle, a martini glass, a smiling sun, and a disco ball.

It's a stark contrast to other campaigns that have taken a darker tone. A spokesman for the task force says that was intentional.

Jason Darrah says the aim is to reach the seasonal workers in the Bow Valley, who tend to be 18 to 30 years old.

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fentanyl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fentanyl</a> overdoses are increasing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BowValley?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BowValley</a>. Residents, seasonal workers, if you’re using, there are signs and symptoms you should be aware of: <a href="https://t.co/gcNQM0aIHh">https://t.co/gcNQM0aIHh</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WheresTheFentanyl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WheresTheFentanyl</a><a href="https://twitter.com/TownofCanmore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TownofCanmore</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Banff_Town?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Banff_Town</a> <a href="https://t.co/tL09njDg5t">pic.twitter.com/tL09njDg5t</a>
—@BowValleyPCN

"Rather than a fear-mongering approach, the experts in social marketing said we needed to be up front with the perception of party drugs, in order to convey the message that even with party drugs, there is poisoning occurring due to contamination with fentanyl and carfentanil," he said in an email to CBC News.

The campaign is being promoted on social media and with traditional posters and pamphlets.

It warns how to spot an overdose and how to help.

"If you're using, know your risks — and never use alone. If you have friends who use, we'll teach you how to identify an overdose, and follow simple steps to save a life — including how to administer naloxone," the website says.

The task force behind the campaign says fentanyl hasn't yet become a crisis in the Bow Valley.

But after a couple overdoses last year, members decided to get prepared.