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The number of deaths related to fentanyl continues to increase in Alberta, but health officials say the latest data could show the first signs of a plateau in the relentless crisis
From 1st January to May 6, 228 people died. According to the latest government data released on Thursday,
this year, Alberta is expected to average 12.6 deaths per week, more than the 11.2 deaths per week in 2017, when a total of 583 people are deceased due to an overdose of fentanyl. .
"What has changed since the fourth quarter of 2017 … we are starting to see a capping of these numbers rather than a continuous sweep," said Dr. Karen Grimsrud, Chief Medical Officer of Health. Alberta, at a press conference, adding that there was a spike in deaths at the end of last year.
Elaine Hyshka, left, and Dr. Karen Grimsrud, co-chair of the Minister's Opioid Emergency Response Committee, update on the use of opioids at a press conference in Edmonton, Thursday, July 5, 2018.
Recent figures are encouraging and may indicate a stabilization of fentanyl-related deaths, she said.
"I do not want to say frankly that we have turned the page," she said. "It's really too early to know if this trend will continue."
The province began tracking deaths from fentanyl-related overdoses in 2016, when 368 people died
. 2017 with Grimsrud as co-chair, presented six new recommendations on Thursday.
They include working with the Department of Justice and the Solicitor General to expand opioid addiction treatment in correctional facilities and create a distribution project to reduce
Priorities include the improvement of the And access to safer pharmaceutical-grade opioids to replace the illegal market, said Dr. Elaine Hyshka, Co-Chair of the Commission.
"It is about reducing the risk of death and getting them into health care," she said. "We know from the data that people who consume opioids … die because they take highly toxic drugs and manufactured illegally."
Dr. Elaine Hyshka, Co-Chair of the Minister's Opioid Emergency Response Commission, reports on the use of opioids at a news conference in Edmonton on Thursday. July 2018.
Calgary remains the most affected area, reporting 112 fentanyl overdose deaths in the first five months of the year, according to the data. In 2017, there were a total of 271 deaths in Calgary, compared to 176 in Edmonton
. The latest data also includes 66 carfentanil overdose deaths since January 1, including 42 in Calgary. In 2017, there were 170 carfentanil-related deaths across the province.
A number of measures were taken last year to combat the opioid crisis, including new supervised consumption sites, the distribution of naloxone kits and expanded access to treatment.
In June, the province announced the launch of opioid addiction treatment clinics in northern Alberta. Three clinics in Fort McMurray, High Prairie and Bonnyville will treat up to 600 patients a year using drugs such as methadone.
Earlier this year, the province also announced a $ 1.4 million grant program that will provide 29 organizations and community groups. This decision followed a recommendation from the commission and resulted in 10,000 grants. $ 100,000 for educational initiatives.
In April, the province announced that the work of the commission would be extended from 18 months until November 2019.
cclancy @ postmedia. com
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