Opioid crisis remains a large issue in southern Alberta Indigenous communities
There have been over 100 overdose deaths on Piikani Nation since the start of the pandemic and trying to stop it won't be easy.
Last year, 1,623 people died of opioid overdoses in Alberta, nearly triple the number of deaths in 2019.
The opioid crisis in Southern Alberta has been an issue for years and increased ten fold over the course of the pandemic, especially in Indigenous communities.
The members of the Piikani Nation have seen those losses first hand.
"One hundred and ten people have lost their lives since the start of the pandemic," said Lori Vrebosch, one of the founding directors of ‘We Will Recover’. an Indigenous led non-profit covering Lethbridge and area.
In the first three months of 2022, the south zone had 60 drug-related deaths including 27 in February, the highest single number for a month in the region.
In the first three months of 2022, the south zone had 60 drug-related deaths including 27 in February, the highest single month record for the region.
"I think that, for years now, we've been witnessing the same trend and the same escalation in the numbers of people who are suffering with substance use disorders, along with those that are succumbing to fatal drug poisonings," Vrebosch said.
This week, Peigan Prevention Counselling Services held overdose prevention information sessions on Piikani Nation.
Sessions like this, along with efforts by groups like ‘We Will Recover’ and the Sage Clan which holds community awareness events to spread information and offer help, are how Vrebosch says the community will hopefully get through to the people who need assistance the most .
"Collaboration and working together is the only way that we're going to get through this and education is of upmost importance," she said.
However, things may have started to look up.
The province announced Wednesday that opioid-related death numbers in Alberta fell seven per cent from March to April.
In addition, only five were deaths reported in the south zone in April, the lowest since September 2020.
In a statement, mental health and addictions minister Mike Ellis acknowledged the community province-wide for its efforts.
"This is important work and we cannot do it alone. Thank you for making a difference. Between the pandemic and the opioid crisis, it has been a difficult few years."
For anyone looking for help or has a loved one who needs assistance, the virtual opioid dependency program offers free help with opioid use.
In addition, you can contact 211 Alberta or visit www.recoveryaccessalberta.ca.
Visit ‘We Will Recover’ on their website for local help or more information.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.