Alberta set an unfortunate record with 179 opioid deaths in April 2023 the most recorded in a single month. The numbers come from newly released data courtesy of the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System.
The sale of streets drugs laced with animal tranquilizers is taking its toll. In recent weeks, EMS responses to opioid-related events have neared record levels.
Harm reduction advocates are criticizing a recent City of Edmonton decision to no longer allow contract outreach workers to hand out clean needles and pipes in public transit areas and pedways.
Edmonton could develop a drug screening program for toxic substances but it won’t be a swift fix to the ongoing opioid crisis, the city outlined in a report this week.