Alberta plans new recovery-centres as Blood-Tribe reports zero-overdose-calls

A southern Alberta First Nation is reporting some promising statistics regarding overdose deaths in its communities. Blood Tribe Emergency Services says between last December and the month of March, they received no overdose-related emergency calls.

Blood Tribe Emergency Services Director, Travis Coleman says, “The decline in overdose calls keeps our first responders and resources readily available for high equity and trauma calls. We will always be ready in case a bad batch comes into the community but are very pleased with the progress everyone has made. Our harm reduction programs have really helped raise awareness and get people the training they need and the supplies and resources needed to help blood tribe members.”

BCN’s Heidi Echavarria spoke with several key stakeholders, including people living on the street. She looks at some of the challenges ahead.