International Overdose Awareness Day event held at Lethbridge’s Galt Gardens

Heidi Reinkie, program and education co-ordinator for AAWEAR, said drug overdoses are a serious problem in the city and in the province. She added that support has to come from the public and government if the situation is to improve.

Reinkie explained, “It’s just getting worse and worse. There’s not the proper supports, there’s not enough people watching in case people go into that poisoning.”

She elaborated further, “We could save a lot more people with safer supply, more supervised consumption sites, or proper drug testing services.”

The awareness event also included naloxone training, and an open mic for those to speak about their journey or their loved ones.

The day will wrap-up with a candlelight vigil at Galt Gardens from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) said it “acknowledges the unsung heroes, including families, friends and health care workers impacted by the lives lost due to overdose.”

In the AHS South Health Zone, substance use resulted in 133 hospitalizations in the first quarter of 2023, and 10 overdose deaths were reported in Lethbridge in May.

READ MORE: 10 drug overdose deaths reported in Lethbridge in May 2023

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams meanwhile, said in a statement, “International Overdose Awareness Day is a tragic reminder of every life lost to the deadly disease of addiction.”

Williams continued, “Our government is committed to building a comprehensive system of care that provides compassionate treatment and a path to recovery for every Albertan suffering from addiction.”

AHS is reminding Albertans that treatment is available to individuals struggling with substance use, including help for family and friends left behind.

Resources and Treatment

• AHS Addiction and Mental Health community clinics: Services are available to serve children, families and individuals. If you need to speak to someone, call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642 or the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322. Trained staff are available to offer support at those numbers 24/7.
• Opioid agonist treatment clinics in Alberta: Provides treatment to people dependent on opioids and helps them access services they need to live healthy lives. Individuals can self-refer, or referrals can come from any healthcare professional or a community agency. Services are voluntary and confidential. For more information on how to access care, individuals can walk in or call any AHS opioid dependency program clinic.
• Virtual Opioid Dependency Program: Available anywhere in Alberta, VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list. To access, call 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
• The Digital Overdose Response System (DORS): A free, discreet mobile app that can help prevent overdose deaths among people using opioids and other substances while alone.
• Naloxone kits: Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses effects of an opioid poisoning.

Helplines

• 211 Alberta – Information on community and social services.
• Addiction Helpline – 1-866-332-2322 for recovery-oriented care support.
• Health Link 811 – 24/7 health advice and information.

Officials with Friends of Medicare said Alberta continues to set records for drug poisoning deaths, with 1,630 in 2022.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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