The latest overdose report from the Saskatchewan coroner shows overdose deaths in 2020 are nearing 300. There is a total of 296 deaths due to overdose from January 1st to October 26th. That’s 296 total deaths in almost 300 days. There were 171 deaths in 2018 which was the previous record.

Jason Mercredi with Prairie Harm Reduction says he would like to see more done by the health authority to address this escalating issue. He says level of investment can’t be considered adequate when the number of deaths increase month over month.

“If we’re not getting leadership from government, then the community leaders need to step up and make it happen on their own.”

Provincially, 122 of the fatalities have been confirmed, while 174 are suspected deaths, meaning the evidence and circumstances around the death indicate an overdose.

The report from the coroners service shows 58 of the confirmed deaths were in Regina while 24 were found in Saskatoon.

(MC CKRM)