Edmonton, along with cities and towns across Canada, is experiencing an overdose crisis. This is a complex public health issue with many factors that have led to a significant increase in overdoses and deaths in Edmonton in the past 10 years. Edmonton continues to experience disproportionately high rates of unintentional overdoses and deaths.

This crisis is impacting individuals, families and the city as a whole. The City of Edmonton is working with other orders of government and community partners to bring health, safety and stability to those affected by the overdose crisis.

In an Emergency

Opioid Poisoning

Overdoses happen in your neighbourhood. The street drug supply is contaminated with often unknown amounts of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Just a small amount can result in an unintentional overdose or poisoning. 

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

  • Slow or no breathing
  • Gurgling or snoring sounds
  • Can't wake them up
  • Pale face, blue lips or nails
  • Cold and damp skin
  • Choking or throwing up

How to Spot an Overdose

How to Respond

When an overdose happens, it can be easy to panic and forget what to do. So keep these tips handy, read them often and tell your friends about them. Remembering them could save a life.

  1. Call 911
  2. Use a naloxone kit if it is safe to do so: Find out how to use a Naloxone Kit .
  3. Stay with the person until help arrives

Learn the 6 Steps to Save a Life
How to Prevent a Fentanyl Overdose

Get your free Naloxone kit

Naloxone saves lives by temporarily reversing the effects of opioid poisoning.

Get a Free Naloxone Kit

It’s Ok To Ask For Help

Don’t underestimate the loss your loved ones would feel if you were gone! Crystal Toronchuk lost her son Zachary, who worked in the trades, to drug poisoning. This is her story.

Watch “It Is Ok to Ask For Help” Video
 

Addiction and Mental Health

ServiceContact Information
Access 24/7780-424-2424
Mental Health Helpline1-877-303-2642
211 Alberta (information on community support services)211

Programs and Resources

Overdose Prevention and Response

Drug Safe 
Overdose Poisoning Prevention
Opioid Poisoning Signs and Symptoms
Responding to a Poisoning with Naloxone
Community-Based Naloxone Program
Harm Reduction Services
Supervised Consumption Services 
Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) App
National Overdose Response Service

Treatment/Recovery

Alberta's Virtual Opioid Dependency Program 
AHS Opioid Dependency Program
Residential Treatment - Edmonton
Virtual Rapid Access Addiction Medicine 

Support for Caregivers

St. John Ambulance Emotional First Aid Program for Peers & Frontline Workers
Holding Hope Canada
Healing Hearts Canada

Reducing Stigma

Addictions Don't Discriminate Exhibit
Changing the Language of Addiction - CCSA
Stigma: Why Words Matter - Health Canada
Language Matters - Canadian Public Health Association

Mental Health Awareness

Providing information and raising awareness about mental health challenges.

Affordable Housing Developments

Learn more about affordable and supportive housing developments in your neighbourhood supported by the City of Edmonton through land and grants.

Accessing Housing

Specialized shelters are available, including Indigenous-led spaces and women-only facilities. Find a temporary and safe place to sleep.

Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program

This program provides time-limited funding for a wide range of innovative and evidence-informed projects including substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment initiatives across the country.

Explore Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program