Saskatchewan overdose numbers in 2024 drop, according to new report [Video]

After three years of the highest count of deaths due to overdoses in Saskatchewan’s history, the numbers have declined.

According to new data released by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service (SCS) on drug toxicity deaths, there were 346 suspected and confirmed overdoses deaths in the province in 2024 compared to 459 suspected and confirmed deaths in 2023.

Since 2021, the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre has been practicing harm reduction in their building.

Aside from the space, they also offer a testing machine which determines if there are any dangerous chemicals found in samples of drugs.

Emile Gariepy, the manager of wâhkôhtowin Harm Reduction said both the space and machine are playing a part in people keeping safe and alive.

“We have been noticing a lot of return people, there’s lots of new people coming in. We have a steady flow of people always using the Centre,” Gariepy said.

• Get the CTV News …