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By Shane Clausing

northreach society

Latest provincial opioid numbers concerning for Northreach Society

Mar 19, 2022 | 6:00 AM

While opioid-related deaths were down in Grande Prairie this past November and December, numbers across Alberta and the North Zone were still up.

The escalating opioid-related deaths is causing concern for those close to the situation.

Alberta saw a combined 352 opioid-related deaths in November and December, which ended up being the two deadliest months in the province since data began being reported in 2016.

The last year also saw Alberta record its deadliest on record as 1,884 Albertans died as a result of opioid-related deaths.

In the North Zone, there were a combined 23 deaths in November and December and 113 for 2021.

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Northreach Societies Lindsay Loset says while it was nice to see numbers in Grande Prairie down l

than previous months, the opioid crisis is still a major concern in the province.

“I think it’s concerning for anyone. As also noted in the report, they are still reporting a majority of overdose deaths occur in private residences,” she explained.

“It is a reminder to show that this isn’t just an issue for the street engaged population or those that you would typically think would be using substances or at risk of an opioid overdose. I think it’s important to note this can be an issue for anyone using substances and to be aware of that.”

Loset tells EverythingGP they have resources available to help people in the community who are be struggling with opioids.

“At Northreach Society we offer education on substance use and harm reduction and then we have our harm reduction supplies and practices that we promote,” she said.

“We have naloxone kits that are for opioid overdose and that can be applicable to anyone using substances even if people don’t think they are using opioids, there could be opioids in the drug they’re using. We have our supervised consumption site parked behind Wapiti House from 10 a.m. to 10 pm.”

Loset adds they can also provide referrals to treatment detox and opioid dependency programming in the community.

Unfortunately, Loset feels the opioid crisis is going to continue until the province changes its response and prevention measures.

“As we’ve seen, our numbers stay about the same or get worse. So, we have to re-evaluate what options we have for people who use drugs and that could include in expansion of a lot of things.”

Loset adds better-utilizing programs and systems could be a way to help get the opioid crisis under control.