Optimistic Addiction Minister Notes Decrease in Alberta Opioid Deaths to Lowest Levels Since 2020

July 20, 2024 TruthUSA

The number of opioid deaths in Alberta has dropped to the lowest in four years, according to government statistics.

Data released on July 18 show that the number of deaths per month in 2023 was 39.8 per 100,000 people. That number fell to 28.9 in the first four months of 2024.

In 2020, the number of drug deaths each month for every 100,000 people was 27, the last time the number fell below 30.

It’s something that Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams said he finds encouraging.

“I am encouraged by the downward trend in the number opioid-related fatalities, and our government remains cautiously optimistic with the most recent data showing opioid overdose fatalities down 52 per cent since peaking last year,” he said in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times.

Mr. Williams said the province is still focusing on its recovery plans for those living with addiction.

“We are building 11 recovery communities across the province, providing more Albertans a place to receive long-term treatment at no cost,” he said, adding that two were already online and two more were expected to open this year.

When broken down by municipality, the city of Edmonton still sees the highest number of opioid deaths in the province, although deaths are falling there as well.

The rate of drug-related deaths per 100,000 people in Edmonton dropped each month drop from 60.3 in 2023 to 51.4 between January and April 2024. In April 2024 alone, 40.2 people out of every 100,000 died due to opioid use, compared with 54.8 in April 2023.

In Calgary, the rate of deaths per 100,000 people dropped each month drop from 41.6 in 2023 to 26.4 in the first four months of 2024. In April 2024, that number was 15.4, compared with 59.5 the year before.

The city of Medicine Hat saw the lowest rate among the cities this year, with 4.2 deaths each month for every 100,000 people occurring between January and April.

The Epoch Times attempted to seek comment from the NDP shadow minister for mental health and addiction, Janet Eremenko, but did not hear back by publication time.

Mr. Williams said he offers prayers and condolences to the families and communities impacted by the addiction crisis.

“For Albertans suffering from an opioid addiction, or if you have a loved one suffering from this disease, I encourage you to call the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) and connect with a medical professional that can give you the support you need.”

The VODP is available seven days a week, 6 a.m. to midnight online at vodp.ca or by calling 1-844-383-7688.

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