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Stats Canada reports few Albertans accessing take home naloxone kits

Jan 15, 2018 | 10:32 AM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – The opioid crisis has showed no signs in slowing down in our province.

A new study done by Stats Canada revealed Albertans have some of the highest awareness of the problem in the country.

The report released last Tuesday, showed 84 percent of adults over the age of 18 said they were aware of the opioid crisis in the province and would call 911 if they suspected someone was overdosing.

Although Albertans reported being aware of the crisis, less than 10 percent said they knew how to obtain and administer the naloxone kits.

Pharmasist Melissa Hozack of Redcliff Pharmasave said the province has been offering naloxone kits and training at pharmacies since October 2017.

“Quite a few people were wanting them as caregivers, some of them as family members of those at risk for opioid overdose,” she said. “We’ve given out about 100 kits and the training as well.”

Hozack explained anyone can obtain a free kit from a pharmacy. They will also receive information on how to identify signs of an overdose and how to administer the life saving treatment. She said there are several signs someone may be overdosing including being unresponsive, slow breathing and pinpoint sized pupils.

“We want to make sure everybody has that training,” she said.

The naloxone kits are provided by Alberta Health Services, free of charge.