A Community Handbook about Healing and Hope Amidst the Opioid Crisis

With funds from the Alberta Government, Edmonton’s inner city came together to discuss the Opioid Crisis in Alberta and express the personal impact on our community through poetry, storytelling and visual arts. This book highlights those contributions along with alarming statistics and resources for the community.  Learn about the Opioid Crisis and its impact on our community, how to save lives and stay safe while we navigate this crisis together.

 

 

The Opioid Crisis

On average, more than two people are dying every day in Alberta from opioid overdoses.

Fentanyl related deaths are increasing dramatically each year.
The number of accidental fentanyl deaths in Edmonton is increasing dramatically each year.  In 2016 there were 114.  This number climbed to 171 in 2017, and there were 228 fentanyl deaths during the first 18 weeks of 2018.

733 opioid related deaths occurred in Alberta in 2017
The most up-to-date data shows that 733 people died from apparent accidental opioid overdose in Alberta in 2017. Among all confirmed drug and alcohol poisoning deaths in 2016 and 2017, opioids were directly involved.

Edmonton has highest emergency department visits
Every day, more than 1,000 individuals are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids. Edmonton has the highest number of opioid related emergency department visits in the province.

*Additional information and resources in the handbook


Get the Handbook

Contact the Bissell Centre to find out where you can get a hard copy of Cycles & Circles: Stories, poetry and art about addiction created at Edmonton’s Bissell Centre.  Or, click the link below to access the on-line version.

Attend the Jan 18 book launch >

 

For more information on this project, please contact Caitlin Beaton at 780.423.2285 ext 151.


Made possible by:

Government of Alberta

Reg Canadian Charity · 118810829RR0001