Rally sheds light on rise of overdose deaths in Lethbridge

Thursday marks International Overdose Awareness Day. A special rally was held in Galt Gardens in Lethbridge to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives due to an overdose. Video Journalist Micah Quinn has the details on the elevated number of opioid deaths in our city.

The Alberta government recently released numbers stating that a total of 10 people in Lethbridge died as a result of illicit drug use during the month of May. That brings the year-to-date total for the city up to a record of 67.

Lethbridge also recorded a new single-month record earlier this year in April with 21 deaths.

Staff with the Lethbridge Friends of Medicare chapter told us it’s vital to honour those who have passed away from a fatal overdose.

Members of the Alberta Alliance Who Educate and Advocate Responsibly were in Galt Gardens talking about harm reduction and showing people how to use naloxone kits. 

In a recent interview with Bridge City News, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith mentioned that the province is investing in the construction of 11 recovery communities in Alberta including one on the Blood Tribe. 

Meanwhile, over at Streets Alive Mission the Christian organization has recovery programs for men and women that are battling addiction. 

According to Alberta researchers the amount of opioids and other illicit drugs contained in our province’s wastewater jumped in June. Addictions Specialist Dr. Monty Ghosh says the levels for opioids, such as carfentanil were four times higher than the month before.