Naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Overdose crisis

Province opens emergency centre to deal with drug crisis

Mar 12, 2025 | 5:30 PM

Hundreds of overdoses in Saskatoon have prompted the government to activate the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC).

The Sask. Public Safety Agency, the City, and the Ministry of Health will all work to manage the crisis, and have already increased the number of naloxone kits available.

A week ago, Betty Nippi-Albright released a statement that called for immediate action on the situation in Saskatoon, which has also been felt in La Ronge.

“My colleagues and I are devastated to learn of so much heartache and loss as a result of 223 drug-related overdoses in Saskatoon over a two-week period,” she said.

The situation has gotten worse, not better.

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Prairie Harm Reduction said on Tuesday that their most recent testing showed 30 per cent fentanyl levels in other drugs (it is frequently mixed with meth) and that is it getting harder to combat the overdoses with naloxone.

That was a 15 per cent increase over the previous ‘bad batch’. The drugs in question now are dark purple or slightly brown in colour.

“Activating the PEOC will allow us to enhance the coordination between government ministries and organizations that respond to overdoses,” SPSA President Marlo Pritchard said.

“This approach will help us reinforce the work being done to save lives across the province. This collaborative effort will allow for enhanced coordination, allow for stronger communication and reduce gaps.”

In Prince Albert, naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies, at Access Place and Prince Albert Co-operative Health Centre at 110 8 Street East.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social