REGINA — A public overdose alert has been issued for the Regina area following a surge in suspected drug poisonings that has claimed at least four lives over a seven-day period.
Between June 5 and 12, Regina Police Service responded to 54 suspected overdoses, including 12 on June 11 alone. Four of the cases are believed to have resulted in death.
According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, fentanyl is suspected to be involved in many of the overdoses. Police say several patients required multiple doses of naloxone, a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids.
Authorities warn that the drugs in circulation may contain unknown and highly toxic substances. The source and appearance of the drugs are unknown, but the risk of overdose and death remains elevated.
The province is urging residents to take precautions:
- Access a Take Home Naloxone Kit by calling HealthLine 811.
- Avoid using alone. Call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.
- Know your rights. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects those who call for help during an overdose.
- Use available supports. Drug checking and harm reduction services can be found at saskatchewan.ca/overdose.
