Naloxone is a medication that, when administered properly, can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Over the past year, the focus of the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program has been ensuring naloxone was available in most areas of the province, and is now established in 15 communities including Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford, Kamsack, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Kindersley, Buffalo Narrows, Swift Current, Melfort, Nipawin and Tisdale.
In addition, there are currently 29 communities with 84 pharmacies across Saskatchewan where THN kits are available for purchase including Assiniboia Shoppers Drug Mart and Southland Co-op Pharmacy. There is no prescription required to purchase a kit, however a pharmacist must be consulted before a purchase is made. THN kits, education and training are also currently available through the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Nearly 600 THN kits have been provided to individuals through this program and more than 1,900 individuals have received training.
THN is a publically funded program, and will be expanding to provide free kits to people who may witness an overdose, including friends and family members of those at risk. It is important to note that even after naloxone is administered, further medical treatment should include calling 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose.
“We believe that even one opioid related death is too many,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said. “Making Take Home Naloxone kits available free of charge to anyone who may need them has the potential to save lives.” As part of efforts to reach as many people as possible, the Ministry of Health and SHA are also working to ensure key community-based organizations are part of the expansion. The potential to integrate nasal spray into the program will also be examined.
The province spends more than $46 million annually on a wide range of addictions services. An additional $400,000 for addictions support was part of the 2018-19 budget investment in mental health and addictions.
