Home » Saskatchewan Ministry of Health Issues Overdose Alert for Saskatoon Area

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health Issues Overdose Alert for Saskatoon Area

by Shanine Sealey

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health issued a drug alert on September 26th for Saskatoon and surrounding areas following a spike in overdoses linked to contaminated street drugs. The alert, which remains in effect until October 3, 2025, warns of a high risk of overdose or death.

According to Prairie Harm Reduction, the city’s supervised consumption site, multiple overdoses have been reported daily involving several substances sold as fentanyl. Recent tests have found fentanyl and benzodiazepines (benzos) in samples, and some substances may also contain carfentanil. The drugs appear as pink, purple, or brown rocks or chunks.

The alert notes that these overdoses have required medical attention and have been difficult to reverse, even with multiple doses of naloxone, a medication that temporarily blocks the effects of opioids. While naloxone can counter fentanyl, it does not reverse the effects of benzodiazepines.

Health officials urge people who use drugs to take precautions to reduce the risk of overdose. People can obtain a Take-Home Naloxone Kit by calling HealthLine 811. If using alone, call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677). Access drug checking supplies through saskatchewan.ca/overdose. Remember that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose or witness one.

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