According to the latest Alberta Health Report, the area that houses Lloydminster has seen 17 fentanyl-related deaths since the beginningĀ of this year.
The number of accidental fentanyl-related deaths in the first three months of 2018 has increased from 16 in the last three months of 2017. Comparatively, over this same period lastĀ year, the number of deaths was five in the area.
Overall in Alberta, the number has decreased with 158 accidental deaths, compared to 183 in the final quarter of 2017. Due to the high number, the Government of Alberta is continuing its Opioid Emergency Response Commission for another 18 months.
Dr. Elaine Hyshka, co-chair of the Ministerās Opioid Emergency Response Commission says the quarterly updates show there is still more work to do to address the opioid crisis in the province, however,Ā progress is being made due to the commission.
The commission was established last year and looks to provide more treatment, along with funding to opioid centres.