Prairie Harm Reduction calls government response to overdose crisis inadequate [Video]

“Change doesn’t come from silence”

Those are the words from Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR), as they desperately search for help dealing with Saskatoon’s overdose crisis.

On Tuesday, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) said there have been nine suspected overdose deaths.

According to PHR and the Saskatchewan’s coroners service, there have been 49 suspected overdose deaths from January to Feb. 28 in the province. March’s numbers in Saskatoon thus far would bring the total to 58 on the year.

The deaths come at a time when Saskatoon Fire say they have responded to 435 overdose incidents this month.

Saskatchewan’s largest city has been hit by a drug overdose crisis the last four weeks, with officials saying it in part comes from a “bad batch.”

Last week, PHR announced their closure until March 31 due to workers’ trauma.

“People are dying, and the government’s response remains inadequate,” Kayla DeMong, PHR’s executive director said.

“Harm reduction services, safe consumption sites, drug …