Opioid Overdose Prevention

Opioid Overdose Prevention

How is the NWT Responding?

December 2020

The NWT Chief Public Health Officer issued a public health advisory to alert the public about two opiod-related deaths in the Northwest Territories.

July 2020

The NWT Chief Public Health Officer issued a public health advisory about the presence of carfentanil in illicit drugs in the Northwest Territories.

July 2019

"I'm a Lifesaver" Campaign Launch

New "I'm a Lifesaver" campaign is launched to reduce the stigma surrounding harm reduction measures and to encourage uptake of new intranasal Naloxone kits.

June 2019

GNWT Switches to Intranasal Naloxone

Intranasal Naloxone is a nasal spray that counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose and is typically used in an emergency situation until medical help arrives. While injectable Naloxone has been available territory-wide since 2016, intranasal Naloxone has become the preferred alternative due to its ease of use and efficacy.

Kits are available in all 33 NWT communities at retail pharmacies, health centres, clinics, hospitals and health cabins.

March 2019

"Know More" Awareness Campaign Comes North

"Know More" is a national public awareness initiative that uses a interactive touring exhibit to engage teens and young adults on the facts surrounding the opioid crisis and health risks associated with problematic opioid use. "Know More" visited schools in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Simpson as part of their national tour in 2019.

January 2019

Bilateral Agreement Signed between Governments of Canada and NWT

The signed bilateral agreement under the Government of Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund provides more than $760,000 in funding to help increase access to treatment for substance use disorder.

This funding will be used to:

  • enhance access to opioid agonist therapy;
  • increase practitioner training and knowledge of opioid use disorder through specialized educational opportunities;
  • help identify strengths and gaps in treatment resources in communities and regional centres outside Yellowknife; and
  • hire additional health care staff in the Northwest Territories to respond to the need for treatment for opioid use disorder.

October 2017

GNWT Launches Opioid Awareness Campaign Questionnaire

In order to measure the reach and effectiveness of its opioid awareness campaign, the GNWT collected questionnaire responses from October 19 to December 1, 2018. A total of 376 responses were received.

June 2017

HSS releases first of a 5-part video series to spread awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and abuse

The Department of Health and Social Services has released the first of a 5-part video series to spread awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and abuse. The first video, How to Use a Naloxone Kit, is a step-by-step guide on how to use an injectable Naloxone kit.

The videos are part of a larger campaign launched across the Northwest Territories after a string of opioid-related overdoses in November of 2016.

December 2016

Establishment of the NWT Opioid Misuse and Overdose Task Group

Led by the Chief Public Health Officer, this group includes members from GNWT Departments and representation from NTHSSA, RCMP and the public. The purpose of the task group is to respond to the ongoing issues related to opioid drug misuse and overdose and to provide strategic oversight, leadership and coordination. Part of this work also includes a public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of illicit drugs.

Take Home Injection Naloxone Kits

Kits were distributed to NWT retail pharmacies, health centres, clinics, hospitals and health cabins.

November 2016

A second advisory was issued when a number of near fatal overdoses were presented at the Stanton Territorial Hospital Emergency Department.

February 2015

The NWT Chief Public Health Officer issued a public health advisory regarding the dangers associated with the use of street fentanyl.

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