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Province accepts call to bolster programs to reduce opioid deaths

Nov 2, 2017 | 7:55 AM

EDMONTON – Opioid experts are recommending the Notley government expand programs to reduce the growing number of people who are dying from drug overdoses.

The Opioid Emergency Response Commission says the government should expand the public distribution of naloxone kits.

Naloxone can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone and morphine.

As of mid-August, Alberta reported 315 fentanyl-related overdose deaths, compared to 368 for all of 2016.