(File photo/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Lane Hoffart

Overdose Awareness

North Battleford Friendship Centre holds 4th Overdose Awareness Day

Aug 29, 2025 | 2:55 PM

The only person that can stop drug use is the addict themself.

That was part of the message that resonated with people who attended the 4^th annual Overdose Awareness Day at the Battleford Indian and Métis Friendship Centre Friday.

Executive director Jackie Kennedy said the centre does its best to refer clients to supports they can use, if they want to.

“But it’s an individual choice. We can’t force people into treatment or anywhere. All we can do is give them tools so they can be safe while they’re using,” she said.

Kennedy said the drug problem in the Battlefords area is at a crisis level, especially when it comes to meth use. She said drugs are destroying families and the communities; however, addiction is a growing issue elsewhere too.

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In Saskatoon, an alert has been issued after the city had at least 84 overdoses in just 10 days between Aug. 17 and Aug. 26. The provincial health ministry is warning of a blue/green crystal-like substance that’s been circulating. It contains material 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Kayla DeMong with Prairie Harm Reduction said there’s been a huge increase in overdose deaths since the start of the year.

“We’ve continued to see overdoses. Since this started in January, we’ve had 20 people who were close to us at Access services pass away,” DeMong said.

Back in the Battlefords, Kennedy said one of the most effective ways to stop overdoses is for people to carry naloxone kits and be trained on what to do in the event they witness an overdose.

“Every life matters, and every person that can potentially be saved is important,” she said.

“Everyone should be trained in naloxone. You could save somebody’s life just by carrying a naloxone kit with you. It’s as simple as that.”

The province offers a free Take Home Naloxone program. Saskatchewan residents who are at risk of an opioid overdose and/or might witness an opioid overdose, are eligible for free training and a free kit.

Kennedy said there are many places in the Battlefords area that provide additional support including the Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, the Battlefords Treatment Centre, and Catholic Family Services.

As part of the Overdose Awareness Day Friday, an awareness walk from the Friendship Centre to City Hall took place, along with a flag raising there, a lunch, naloxone kit training and presentations from local groups about overdose.

In commemoration of International Overdose Awareness Day, the City of North Battleford will light the water tower up with purple lights on Aug. 31.

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lane.hoffart@pattisonmedia.com