Today the province released the latest opioid response surveillance report, which covers the second quarter, up to June 2020. 

The most up-to-date data shows that 449 people have died from an apparent unintentional opioid poisoning so far in the first six months of 2020, with 301 in the second quarter.  

In the second quarter, 284 people died from an apparent unintentional fentanyl-related poisoning, compared to 130 people in the previous quarter. 

The number of fentanyl poisoning deaths in the first half of 2020 was 43% higher than the number in the first half of 2019. 

While most major municipalities in Alberta have seen an increase in deaths since last year, Grande Prairie has decreased. In 2019, the City had 24 fentanyl-related deaths at a rate of 32.2 per 100,000 persons. So far this year, the rate is 26.5 and 10 people have died. 

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan believes the provincial increase in numbers is related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“The past few months have led to increased fear and anxiety, isolation, disruption to in-person services, job uncertainty and more. This has exacerbated the struggles of many Albertans, including those struggling with substance use.” 

Luan says that B.C., who released their latest report today as well, is showing similar trends during the pandemic. He expects to see similar findings in other areas, including Ontario, which is still working on its report.