The opioid overdose crisis continues to be one of the most serious public health crises in Canada’s recent history. The Government of Yukon is working with our community partners to expand drug-checking capacity in the territory, and to remind people not to use alone and to keep naloxone kits on hand.
Additional funding has been provided to Blood Ties Four Directions to increase drug testing availability through the outreach van from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week, including statutory holidays. Drug testing services are also available at the Blood Ties office on Ogilvie Street. Expanded hours began January 31, 2021.
The Government of Yukon continues its work exploring what a safer supply chain would look like for Yukon. Safe supply programs have been rolled out in other jurisdictions, and have demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating the effects of a toxic drug supply. The federal government, the Canadian Public Health Association and 95 per cent of our harm reduction community agree: Yukon should explore safer supply.
The recent opioid-related deaths are a tragic reminder that fentanyl continues to present a very real danger in our communities. It is time to rally around our communities, our friends, our neighbours and family members who need our support. We need to be compassionate and supportive, while working together to end the stigma around drug use and addiction. If I have only one message, it would be to tell people not to use alone and to have a naloxone kit available.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
The four pillars of the Yukon’s opioid strategy, released in November 2018, are:
- Harm reduction and take-home naloxone kits
- Public awareness and education
- Opioid surveillance, and
- Opioid pain management
Under Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services, the Opioid Outreach Prevention Coordinator is working in partnership with community mental wellness hubs and First Nations to provide harm reduction workshops, naloxone kits and harm reduction supplies to communities. Initial roll out of the opioid treatment services began in Dawson City in November 2020 with the addition of a mental health nurse to provide services.
Yukoners continue to have access to drug testing services through Blood Ties Four Directions at its location on Oglivie Street and through the Outreach Van.
An opioid outreach prevention coordinator delivers harm reduction workshops and materials in Whitehorse and rural Yukon communities, as well as distributing take-home naloxone kits.
In January 2021, Blood Ties expanded their drug testing hours through the Outreach Van until 9:30 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays.
The Referred Care Clinic in Whitehorse offers opioid treatment services for clinic clients.
The Referred Care Clinic has been providing drug checking services to clients since December 2020.
Withdrawal Management, Intensive Treatment programs, and day programming are available through Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Patricia Living
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-335-1531
patricia.living@yukon.ca