By Justine Kelsie

Local groups hoping for provincial grant money to fight opioid crisis

Jan 30, 2018 | 2:18 PM

Three Grande Prairie groups are hoping to be picked from over 100 applicants for provincial grant money to fight the opioid crisis. 

The City of Grande Prairie recently caught wind of the number of applications that were sent to the Alberta government for the Opioid Public Awareness Grants. There is $500,000 in funds available and the Swan City organizations each asked for $100,000 towards their initiatives. The local school boards and RCMP teamed up as well as the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce and City. The HIV North Society sent in an application on its own. 

“I think this is an indication that the provincial government underestimated the amount of response that they would have for this new grant program. They may choose to increase the amount of resources that are available (or) they may pick and choose the grants that they support. I think that may be what is taking the extra time,” explained Mayor Bill Given. 

The funding was set to be announced after January 16 but has yet to be released. 

While the groups wait to see if they will get the money they asked for, the Mayor’s Opioid Task Force continues to meet.

Plan Ahead

Why Would You Pre-Plan Your Funeral?

Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

In a report at a committee meeting Tuesday, Community Social Development (CSD) Manager Angela Sutherland pointed to impacts the opioid crisis has had on city departments. In 2017, there was an uptick in overdose calls for the fire department. The firefighters, along with Enforcement Officers, now carry naloxone. There has also been an increase in requests for safety audits to businesses and more requests going into the CSD department for education on opioids.

Given says they will be looking at resources, such as administrative staff, that could be provided to the task force.

In the first nine months of 2017, there were 18 fentanyl-related deaths in Grande Prairie. According to a report by Alberta Health, the Swan City lead the province in these type of deaths in the first six months of last year. An interim report says the north part of the province is second behind Calgary for opioid-related overdose deaths for 2017.