By Sheena Roszell

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre part of provincial pilot project to fight opioid crisis

Aug 29, 2018 | 2:46 PM

Grande Prairie’s Friendship Centre is among four in the province that have hired navigators to help combat the opioid crisis.

The government has provided a $400,000 grant for the navigators in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie.

The navigators will connect people with life-saving treatment, harm reduction and culturally sensitive wraparound services, the Alberta government stated in a press release.

Miranda Laroche, Executive Director at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre says they are pleased to be part of the province’s pilot project.

“We know that there is a crisis and that per capita Grande Prairie is the highest rate for opioid overdoses.  The government recognizes that and within Alberta, there are the four communities have been targetted to be part of a pilot project to support Indigenous people with the opioid crisis,” she said. “Our cultural navigator, Renee Dube is working really hard in connecting people with organizations and connecting the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre with different partnerships as well.  All of our staff has been trained on the naloxone kits.”

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Staff at Friendship Centres in 21 communities in Alberta will also be provided with workshops, naloxone training, and educational material.

According to information provided by the government, First Nations and Metis people have higher rates of opioid overdose deaths, emergency department visits, and opioid prescriptions compared with non-Indigenous people.

“The opioid crisis is having a heartbreaking impact on families and communities across the province. We need to do everything we can to help people receive greater access to health services for substance use without facing cultural barriers or stigma. Our government is proud to support Alberta Native Friendship Centres as they play a vital role in making sure Indigenous people in urban areas can easily access life-saving resources,” Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health.

The navigator pilot project is scheduled to run until March 2019.