GRANDE PRAIRIE — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning the public to take precautions after a significant spike in opioid overdose calls over the weekend.

AHS Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has responded to 20 overdose calls, with one confirmed fatality in Grande Prairie, since the evening of Jan. 26.

AHS is urging anyone who uses street drugs to be extra cautious.

“If you are going to use drugs, never use alone; always have at least one other person present. Have a naloxone kit available and someone who can administer it. And in the event of a suspected overdose, call 911 immediately,” says Rob Barone, Associate Executive Director with AHS EMS.

Naloxone kits are available at pharmacies, community clinics and emergency departments. Visit www.drugsafe.ca for a full list of locations, as well as advice on how to spot an overdose and what to do.

AHS has focused on several key areas to improve lives and reduce the harmful effects of addiction, including expanding programming to reduce harm associated with substance use; improving access to treatment; and increasing public awareness and education.

Additional support resources are available in Grande Prairie through the AHS Opioid Dependency Program at the Northern Addiction Centre. Addiction help and support is also available by calling the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

Information provided by Alberta Health Services.