The Lethbridge Recovery Community, which opened in 2023, is cited by the Alberta Government as one of the reasons why drug overdose death numbers have fallen over the last two years. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge overdose deaths falling due to provincial strategies: Alberta Government

Aug 1, 2025 | 8:52 AM

The Alberta Government says it is pleased to see the numbers improving in Lethbridge for drug overdose deaths.

A new report shows that, in both March and April, there were no fatal overdoses in Lethbridge, and just one each in January and February.

That is the lowest year-to-date total for the first four months of the year in at least the last decade.

READ MORE: Lethbridge reports zero overdose deaths in April, second consecutive month

Hunter Baril, Acting Press Secretary for Mental Health and Addiction, says a top priority for the UCP government has been addressing the addiction crisis.

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“This year, we see the lowest number of opioid-related fatalities on record. While every life lost is a tragedy, this clearly shows we are headed in the right direction,” says Baril.

He attributes much of the reduction in overdose deaths to the province’s focus on “evidence-based treatment and recovery,” as well as a coordinated response to “crack down on the trafficking of deadly drugs.”

“In Lethbridge, the outcomes are clear, and we are cautiously optimistic the trend will continue.”

Baril says investments like the 50-bed Lethbridge Recovery Community have provided a much greater opportunity for people who are suffering from addiction to get the help they need.

He adds that the government has worked with several Lethbridge-based addiction treatment providers to remove financial barriers, which means Albertans can access addiction treatment at no cost.

He says the 75-bed Recovery Community on the Blood Tribe, slated to open in 2026, is making “significant progress” on construction. This facility will provide resources for up to 300 people every year to access culturally-appropriate addiction treatment services on-reserve.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Recovery Community celebrating one year of operations

READ MORE: Construction begins on Blood Tribe Recovery Community

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