The overdose crisis in Saskatchewan
June 1, 2021
Last year, 336 people in Saskatchewan died from overdoses, a 182% increase from 2017.
Source: Saskatchewan Coroners Service
During the first four months of this year, 138 people died from overdoses.
If the current rate continues, more than 400 people will die in 2021.
Source: Saskatchewan Coroners Service
The drug supply in Saskatchewan has become increasingly contaminated with fentanyl.
A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is 50-100 more potent than morphine and many times more potent than heroin.
A lethal dose of heroin compared to a lethal dose of fentanyl. (NHSP Forensic Lab)
In 2017, fentanyl was present in 13% of overdose deaths in Saskatchewan.
In 2020, fentanyl was present in half of overdose deaths in the province.
Source: Saskatchewan Coroners Service
One of the best ways to reduce overdose deaths: supervised consumption sites.
The inside of Saskatchewan's first supervised consumption site in Saskatoon.
(Prairie Harm Reduction)
A supervised consumption site is a clean, safe space where people can use drugs in the presence of trained staff.
Positive outcomes:
reduces risk of accidental overdose because people are not rushing or using alone
reduces spread of infectious diseases
reduces strain on emergency services
connects people to substance use treatment, social and health services, and housing services
From 2017 to 2019, supervised consumption sites in Canada received two million visits.
During that time:
Staff responded to 15,000 overdoses and medical emergencies, with zero on-site fatalities
Staff provided 70,000 referrals to substance use treatment, social and health services, and housing services
Source: Government of Canada
In October 2020, Prairie Harm Reduction opened a supervised consumption site in Saskatoon, the first in Saskatchewan.Despite the overdose crisis, the Government of Saskatchewan has denied Prairie Harm Reduction's funding requests for the site, forcing the non-profit to fundraise to keep it open.
In May 2021, Newo Yotina Friendship Centre opened the first supervised consumption site in Regina.While the provincial government provided a temporary exemption allowing the site to operate, it has not provided any funding.
Meet Curtis. A supervised consumption site in Surrey, B.C. kept him alive long enough to begin recovery.
Ways you can help:
Spenser Smith is a Regina-born writer, photographer, and former IV drug user.