By Government of Alberta press release

Latest Steps in Combatting Opioids Welcomed by Justice and Health Ministers

Aug 31, 2016 | 4:43 PM

ALBERTA – The Government of Alberta has been working closely with the Government of Canada to restrict chemicals used to make fentanyl from entering the country

In the first six months of 2016, 153 people in Alberta died from apparent drug overdoses, related to fentanyl. That’s compared to 139 people who died of fentanyl related overdoses in the first half of 2015.

“Health Canada’s announcement to move forward on restricting six chemicals used in the production of fentanyl will benefit Albertans and Canadians. Our government asked for this last fall after our police partners, the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) passed resolutions relating to limiting access to the precursor drugs used to produce fentanyl. This government is focused on reducing the availability of fentanyl and other drugs in the province. Alberta’s police services know that precursor drugs are available in Alberta as they have already discovered large quantities of these deadly chemicals here,” noted Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

Brandy Payne, Associate Minister of Health, echoed those remarks, adding that “it’s important these steps are implemented as quickly as possible”.

The province has provided $3-million to Alberta Health Services for additional opioid replacement treatment spaces and counselling supports. Since December 2015, the province’s supply of publicly funded naloxone kits has tripled, from 3,000 to 9,000.

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The number of naloxone distribution sites has increased to more than 853 locations, including more than 600 community pharmacies.

As of July 31, 2016, the Alberta Community Council on HIV had dispensed 2,910 kits. Of those, 313 kits were reported to have been used in overdose reversals.

In addition, ministerial orders have been extended to allow registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses to prescribe naloxone with paramedics, EMTs and EMRs to administer the medication.