Overdose alert issued for Onion Lake Cree Nation after suspected deaths

The ministry said the drugs believed to be behind the overdoses on the First Nation north of Lloydminster were brownish in colour and may contain fentanyl or other unknown opioids. The substance, which was sold as either fentanyl or “down,” was smoked in all the overdose cases.

The Onion Lake Health Department is urging community members not to buy unknown or illicit substances. Anyone who uses drugs is encouraged to carry naloxone if it is available. Anyone who suspects an overdose or needs emergency medical help should call 911.

“The safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority. Please remain vigilant, share this advisory with family and friends, and seek immediate help if you believe someone is experiencing an overdose,” the health department said in the advisory.

The overdose alert is to remain in effect until July 16, the ministry said.

The health department said support is available for people struggling with substance use through Onion Lake Cree Nation’s rehabilitation and detox program. OLCN Wellness can also help with referrals to additional treatment and recovery programs.

Provincial NDP MLA Leroy Laliberte, who is the shadow minister for Mental Health & Addictions, said that more needs to be done to manage the overdose issue in Saskatchewan.

“We’re losing people every day to this crisis. Often, they’re young people, our future. We’re attending funeral after funeral for deaths that are entirely preventable.” he said in an e-mailed statement.

Laliberte said the province should invest more money in mental health services and add to the number of staff.

“We should be recruiting more people who are ready and willing to serve our communities, not laying them off.”

*With files from 650 CKOM

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Overdose alert issued for Onion Lake Cree Nation after suspected deaths

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