Overdose alert issued for Regina

WATCH: Regina police touted a $1.3 million seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.

An overdose alert has been issued for Regina, as the Queen City has already experienced 100 overdoses in the month of June so far.

One hundred overdoses have been reported from June 1-10, according to data from the Regina Overdose Outreach Team and Regina Fire and Protective Services.

In Wednesday’s alert, the Ministry of Health said at least two suspected overdose-related deaths have also occurred during this period.

“These fatalities indicate a higher risk of overdose and death from drugs in the Regina area,” the ministry said.

It added that the opioid antagonist naloxone was used and effective in many instances, however the drug can’t be used to counter the effects of substances like benzodiazepines.

The substance that triggered the alert is unknown but in one reported case it was described as a pink-coloured product. The alert also said it was possibly sold as meth in one instance.

The alert is set to expire on June 17.

‘Data speaks for itself’

The Queen City saw a huge surge in drug overdoses in April.

According to data from the Regina Police Service (RPS), there were 415 overdoses in April – a large jump from 244 reported in March.

Seven people in Regina died from overdoses in April – adding up to 21 since January.

The opposition NDP said these numbers are climbing in spite of the province’s expansion of treatment spaces.

“This data speaks for itself. Overdoses are rising, and lives are at risk,” said Leroy Laliberte, the NDP’s critic for mental health and addictions.

“This is not a new problem. The Sask. Party government has had nearly 20 years to get a handle on the addictions crisis. We need immediate, decisive action — but instead, they continue to shift responsibility onto frontline workers who are already stretched thin.”

• Event held in Regina to educate youth on addiction, recovery, and mental health

The RPS data revealed that police attended 63 of April’s reported overdoses and administered the opioid antagonist Narcan (naloxone) in 14 incidents.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is concerned about the number of overdoses in Regina, and all across our province, and the impact they are having on individuals, families, and communities. We are committed to finding solutions to address this complex issue with our partners,” read a statement from the Ministry of Health Wednesday.

“Under our multi-year Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, the Government of Saskatchewan is focused on getting more people the addictions treatment they need to overcome their addictions and live healthy, safe lives in recovery.”

The Official Opposition also pointed to the data from the Saskatoon Fire Department, which has responded to 680 overdoses in April.

• Saskatoon records 680 overdose calls in April, up 288% from last year

The NDP said these numbers follow the closure of Saskatoon’s Prairie harm Reduction on April 9.

“The fact that this government can see more than 1,000 overdoses in a single month across our two largest cities and fail to act urgently is deeply concerning,” Laliberte added.

The Ministry of Health stated that reducing wait times continues to be a priority, adding this includes the creation 500 addiction treatment spaces across the province.

Of the 500 announced spaces, 333 have been made available as of Wednesday, according to the ministry.

These include:

• 16 sober living spaces at Pine Lodge Addiction Recovery in Regina;
• 60 inpatient spaces at Willowview Recovery Centre in Lumsden;
• 41 sober living spaces at St. Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan; and
• 42 virtual spaces through EHN Canada.

The ministry also touted the newly passed Compassionate Intervention Act as a new tool to help combat the growing crisis. The Act allows for involuntary treatment in certain cases.