By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

trying to prevent drug poisoning deaths

Province expands digital overdose reporting mobile app

Jun 8, 2022 | 4:52 PM

The Alberta Government has expanded what it calls the Digital Overdose Response System (DORS), a mobile app which aims to prevent fatal overdoses when using opioids and other substances at home, across the entire province.

On average, the Province says, 70 per cent of opioid-related deaths in Alberta take place in private residences.

In Red Deer, during the final quarter of 2021, which are the most recent numbers available, 50 per cent of all deaths were in private residences. That statistic peaked in Q1 of last year, with 92 per cent of the 12 deaths that quarter occurring in homes.

“If you are in Alberta, use the DORS app when using opioids and other substances, especially when using alone,” says Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

The government says it is trying to identify opportunities for expansion into Indigenous communities.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

10h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

16h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

The app currently has over 900 downloads and 440 registered users. The Province says there have been successful emergency medical services dispatched thanks to the app.

“Addiction and overdose have taken the lives of far too many in Red Deer, some of whom dying at home, alone,” says Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston. “The Digital Overdose Response System is an innovative program that can and will save lives. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for making this available to our community, and I encourage anyone who may be using alone to download the app, and seek recovery when possible.”

The government will launch an ad campaign this summer to spread the word about DORS.

STARS Air Ambulance is also a partner of DORS, as its Emergency Link Centre will be who one speaks to on the phone when using the app to get help.

The Opposition NDP says the DORS app is useful, but not enough to address what it calls the “horrifying” death toll of drug poisonings.

“I am truly devastated to know of how many Albertans are grieving the loss of a loved one due to drug poisoning. These deaths are preventable. The UCP government is refusing to act on clear medical evidence and practices supported by experts. There are proven healthcare interventions that save lives, but the UCP have reduced access to them,” says Lori Sigurdson, Critic for Mental Health and Addictions.

“The UCP failure to properly respond to this crisis is costing lives, costing taxpayers, and using up already scarce resources in our ambulance and hospital systems. Their refusal to deploy an effective, science-based response to this public health crisis proves that Albertans cannot trust the UCP to protect lives and manage our healthcare system.”

Most recent numbers show 120 Albertans died from opioid overdoses in March 2022, down from the 175 in December 2021. Red Deer’s numbers were up over the span, however.