SASKATOON — The recent spike in overdose cases in the city has added strain to an already stretched health-care system, prompting local and provincial officials to sound the alarm. Numbers recently released by the Saskatchewan NDP, obtained from Prairie Harm Reduction, show 223 drug-related overdoses in nearly two weeks.
Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) CEO Andrew Will said a more potent dose of illegal substances is being peddled on Saskatoon's streets, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses. The SHA and the Ministry of Health issued a drug alert on March 6 after 37 overdoses were reported in under two days.
“Overdoses in the city are occurring at an alarming rate. Between March 1 and March 5, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to an average of 19 overdoses per day. In just 24 hours from March 5, that number jumped to 37,” Will said at a media briefing on March 7 at the SHA Corporate Office at Saskatoon City Hospital.
“This suggests an unusually potent and potentially lethal substance is circulating, adding pressure to our health system teams in emergency departments and also in the community. The SHA clinical teams are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring appropriate care is provided to patients experiencing overdoses.”
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) has yet to release 2024 data on how many overdose incidents it has responded to, which month had the highest rate, and the average response time of paramedics and additional fire crews. In 2023, the SFD collected 15,697 discarded needles, though it is unclear if they were used to inject illegal substances.
Will said the SHA and Mental Health and Addiction Services leaders are in regular communication with the SFD, the City of Saskatoon, and other health-care partners to support overdose response efforts. He also urged the public to keep Naloxone kits on hand.
“No illicit drug is safe. If you or someone you know uses drugs, please take precautions. Free take-home Naloxone kits are available at more than 450 locations across the province. If you witness an overdose, call 911 immediately. The Good Samaritan Act protects those seeking help from simple possession charges. Your call could save a life,” Will said.
“The SHA is committed to collaborating with health system partners to support patients in crisis. I want to thank our health system teams for their care and diligence in providing care to those most in need.”
Integrated Saskatoon Health vice president John Ash echoed Will’s concerns and urged the public to use free Naloxone kits to help prevent overdose deaths.
“With the increase in overdoses that we're seeing in Saskatoon, we know through the health alert that's gone out that there is a change in regards to the potency of the drugs that are out there. We're encouraging people to use the take-home Naloxone kits to seek appropriate care,” Ash said.
“We are working with the City of Saskatoon to co-ordinate response with emergency services and all our health services. I certainly can't comment on the mix, … but we're certainly working with all our partners to ensure that we provide care.”
Despite the surge in overdoses, Will said hospital emergency departments have not reported a significant increase in cases in recent weeks. However, the SHA remains in contact with emergency department staff, Mental Health and Addiction Services personnel, public health teams, and the City of Saskatoon to ensure a co-ordinated response.
“[We] ensure we have a co-ordinated response and can respond appropriately if necessary. We work very collaboratively with community-based providers and the [Health Ministry] to ensure that Naloxone kits are available. With the changes that we've seen recently, [SHA] remains committed to working with partners to ensure that we have sufficient supply to meet the needs,” Will said.
Details on free Naloxone kits can be found at by searching “take-home Naloxone.” Free at-home drug testing strips are available at Saskatoon Public Health, while Prairie Harm Reduction offers staff-assisted testing. Residents can sign up for provincial drug alerts at or by texting JOIN to 1-833-352-7233. Addiction treatment services are available at multiple locations in Saskatoon, with more information at .
