As Saskatchewan has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic in the last year, another crisis has taken a back seat — deaths by drug overdose.
In 2020, there were 273 confirmed drug overdose deaths in the province — 96 more than in 2019 — with another 67 suspected cases waiting to be confirmed.
This year hasn’t been any better, with 105 drug toxicity deaths suspected and 73 confirmed in just the first 180 days of the year. The latest numbers were released Thursday.
In this series, Hidden Crisis, we get to know the people in the middle of the crisis, those who’ve died, those left behind, and those who are tasked with helping stem the flood of bodies.
As the overdose crisis worsens across Saskatchewan, 650 CKOM has created a page full of resources to connect you, or someone you know, with help.
Each headline contains a link to a website or Facebook page.
Mental Health and Addictions Services
Here, you can get information on services, reports and education materials for those struggling with alcohol or drugs, suicide prevention, mental health and addictions services, gambling support, the mental health and addictions action plan and mental health support.
Directory of Mental Health and Addictions Services
Here, you can find mental health and addictions services, located close to you in Saskatchewan.
Take-Home Naloxone Sites in Saskatchewan
Here, you can find where to access naloxone in the province’s take-home naloxone program.
In the event of an overdose, the naloxone treatment itself doesn’t replace the need for medical attention. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect an overdose.
A How-To with Naloxone
650 CKOM’s Brady Lang has produced a video on the use of naloxone kits.
ReachoutSK
ReachoutSK is an informational hub for crystal meth, which includes videos detailing stories of past addictions, where to find help across Saskatchewan, and informational packs on addictions.
It is a partnership between Saskatoon’s Safe Community Action Alliance Crystal Meth Working Group and Prairie Harm Reduction.
Prairie Harm Reduction
Saskatchewan’s first safe consumption site can be reached by phone (306-242-5005) or email (operations@prairiehr.ca). It’s located at 1516 20th St. W in Saskatoon.
The facility is not just a place users go to consume their substances. It’s a place where support services can be found, such as a family support program. It includes a drop-in centre, conducts seminars for professionals and people who access services at the site, offers naloxone training, covers emergency medical costs for those living with HIV, and includes a community needle pick-up program around Pleasant Hill, Riversdale and Mayfair.
The Nēwo Yōtina Friendship Centre
Regina’s lone safe consumption site is located at 1635 11th Ave and can be contacted by phone (306-525-5042) or email (indo@newoyotina.ca).
The facility offers supervised injection use, take-home naloxone kits, education, assessment and referrals for health care, mental health, addictions, and cultural and social services. It houses support workers, cultural support workers and resolution health support workers.
Moms Stop the Harm
Moms Stop the Harm advocates to change policies and provide peer support for grieving families and those still struggling with substance abuse.
Saskatchewan Overdose Statistics
Updated monthly, a report from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service provides detailed statistics of all drug toxicity death investigations in the province.
People can access reports dating back to 2010 of deaths by manner, if they are suspected or confirmed by the service, the type of drug which caused the death, where the death was located, and gender, age and race breakdowns.
From Jan. 1 to June 30, 105 overdose deaths are suspected and another 73 have been confirmed for a total of 178. Saskatchewan’s record for overdose deaths in a year was 2020, with 67 suspected deaths and another 273 confirmed for a total of 340.
Prior to 2020, Saskatchewan’s record for overdose deaths was 177, set in 2019.
