Six opioid overdoses in Medicine Hat so far in 2022
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 30, 2022.
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews Medicine Hat recorded two opioid overdose deaths in April, bringing the total to six this year, according to new data which shows a general decline in Alberta from a peak last fall. The data – the most current available from the ministry of Mental Health and addictions – show 113 province deaths from opioid overdose is 7 per cent less than March. It is also one-third less than the record 175 deaths in November, 2021. “Alberta’s government remains cautiously optimistic as opioid-related deaths declined again in April,” said Associate Minister Mike Ellis, who thanks staff, medical professionals, EMS, police and outreach workers. “This is important work and we cannot do it alone … While this decrease is encouraging news, there are still too many people losing their lives to addiction. We must remain vigilant.” Locally in 2021, a total of 34 deaths by opioid drug poisoning were recorded in the city, including 11 over the last two months of the year. That 12-month total is double the previous annual high of 17 recorded in 2018. The two intervening years saw 12 and 13 deaths specifically linked to opioids, respectively. 8-7
