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Emergency action underway after 7 drug overdose calls in downtown Kelowna

Click to play video: 'Kelowna shelter operators in crisis mode after numerous overdoses'
Kelowna shelter operators in crisis mode after numerous overdoses
Kelowna shelter operators in crisis mode after numerous overdoses – Apr 2, 2019

Emergency responders are on high alert after seven illicit drug overdoses in downtown Kelowna on Tuesday.

Confirmation of the medical events came from Dawn Himer, executive director of the John Howard Society.

WATCH BELOW: Man who frequents Cornerstone Shelter describes disturbing drug overdose crisis on Tuesday afternoon.

Click to play video: 'Man describes new street drug after witnesses multiple overdoses in Kelowna'
Man describes new street drug after witnesses multiple overdoses in Kelowna
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Himer said six of the drug overdoses happened in their facility, Cornerstone, in the 400 block of Leon Avenue and one nearby off Water Street.

“We’re trying to figure out where the drugs are coming from,” Himer said.

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WATCH BELOW (Aired Nov. 28, 2018): Six mothers who lost their children to fentanyl and carfentanil talk about what needs to change

Click to play video: 'Six mothers who lost their children to fentanyl and carfentanil talk about what needs to change'
Six mothers who lost their children to fentanyl and carfentanil talk about what needs to change

The shocking overdose numbers in such a short time have Himer concerned for the evening hours, when overdoses are more common.

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She is hoping their clients will help them track down the people distributing the drugs and stop them from harming more people.

Interior Health (IHA) put out a warning on Friday about carfentanil, a drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

The IHA mobile safe injection RV is being called to the downtown core as the emergency unfolds, Himer told Global News.

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