Today is international Overdose Awareness Day. The provincial government is partnering with Moms Stop the Harm on a campaign to reduce the risk of overdose and the stigma related to drug overdoses. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Everett Hindley, says, “This day is an opportunity to remind people who use drugs, their family and friends, and the public, of the resources available to reduce the risk of an overdose or how to potentially save the life of someone who is overdosing.”

A news release from the province highlights some of the funding support for this issue including over$2-million to operate Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinics in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, which provides quick access to specialized addictions treatment and services and connects individuals to services, including ongoing addiction treatment, mental health services and other community programs.

Anyone at risk of an opioid overdose or who might witness one is eligible for a free Take Home Naloxone kit, to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses. The province says overdose prevention efforts include the recent purchase of four drug checking spectrometers that are currently being used in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford.