Director says Saskatoon safe consumption site ‘drowning’ amid overdose crisis
Kayla DeMong, the executive director of Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR), recently made a heartfelt plea for more support from the province as her staff struggles to keep up with a recent surge in overdoses. Describing the dire conditions on the front lines, DeMong fought back tears as she shared that her team had reversed 23 overdoses in a single week.
The Saskatoon Fire Department reported 67 overdoses and one suspicious death from March 9 to March 11, highlighting the urgent need for assistance. In response, the government activated the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) to provide support and coordination for organizations like PHR.
DeMong emphasized the urgent need for additional resources, including boots on the ground at PHR and a centralized system for accessing the overdose-reversing drug naloxone. She also mentioned the need for more oxygen and devices to monitor vital signs to effectively mitigate overdoses.
The staff at PHR have been working tirelessly to save lives, with an on-staff paramedic performing CPR throughout their entire shift. DeMong stressed the emotional toll this takes on her team, who often know the individuals they are assisting personally.
Premier Scott Moe addressed the issue of safety in the upcoming budget, emphasizing investments to ensure community safety. He highlighted initiatives such as access to recovery, urgent care, and complex needs shelters, as well as increased consequences for those involved in drug trafficking.
The PEOC was established to provide support to organizations facing overwhelming situations, exceeding the capacity of local authorities. The agency aims to facilitate information sharing, discussions, and decision-making to effectively respond to emergencies.
As the province and organizations like PHR continue to grapple with the overdose crisis, it is crucial for the government to provide timely and comprehensive support to save lives and protect communities.
