Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Dan Williams says the recovery-oriented system of care has directly led to a decline in drug overdose deaths in Lethbridge. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province credits recovery model for falling drug overdose deaths in Lethbridge

Mar 17, 2025 | 2:57 PM

The Government of Alberta says improving numbers in Lethbridge are proof that its model of recovery-oriented care is working for people suffering from addiction.

The province’s substance use surveillance system report shows that drug overdose deaths fell by 63 per cent between January to October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, going down to the lowest it has been since 2019.

READ MORE: Lethbridge drug overdose deaths lowest since 2019

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Dan Williams tells LNN that the policies of the former Alberta NDP government led to many people suffering from the “deadly disease of addiction.”

He says his government has no interest in the NDP’s harm reduction model that included “drug consumption sites on every street corner” and an “unsafe supply flooding our communities.”

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: February 10-16, 2025

Feb 10, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: January 29-February 2, 2025

Jan 29, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: January 20-26, 2025

Jan 20, 2025

Instead, when the United Conservative Party (UCP) was first elected in 2019, Williams says they embarked on a new path for the province, opting for a “recovery-oriented system of care.”

Overdose deaths in Lethbridge continued to rise over the first few years of the UCP’s tenure in office, peaking in 2023.

That was the same year that the Lethbridge Recovery Community opened, a 50-bed long-term residential treatment facility just outside of the city. People struggling with addiction can stay there for up to one year and have access to medications, counseling, employment, recreation and more.

2023 also saw the creation of a Therapeutic Living Unit at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, providing addiction treatment services for people in prison.

Williams says, “Since our government was elected, we have been building a recovery-oriented system of care to ensure every Albertan has an opportunity to rebuild their lives, and reconnect with their family, community, and culture.”

He adds that he is optimistic that this positive trend will continue in the months and years ahead.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Recovery Community celebrating one year of operations

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.