By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from The Canadian Press

Lethbridge HIV Connection among Alberta Locations to be Provided Naloxone Kits to Combat Fentanyl Overdoes

Feb 3, 2016 | 6:36 AM

LETHBRIDGE:  More than two dozen locations across Alberta, including one in Lethbridge, can now prescribe and supply a drug that temporarily reverses the effects of a fentanyl overdose.

Alberta Health Services is distributing 4,000 take-home Naloxone kits to 29 clinics and eight harm reduction sites in response to a rapid rise in fentanyl-related deaths.

Locally, kits have been provided to the Lethbridge HIV Connection
http://www.lethbridgehiv.com/contact-us/

Fentanyl is blamed for 272 overdose deaths in Alberta last year, up from 120 in 2014.

The opioid is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin or morphine. While it is a prescribed painkiller used under medical care, it is also often added to illegal drugs.

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The naloxone kits, which buy a user time to seek potentially life-saving medical treatment, contain two vials of naloxone, syringes, alcohol swabs, latex gloves, a breathing mask and instructions.