Overdose Outreach Teams launch in Saskatoon, Regina

New outreach teams have launched as a pilot program in Regina and Saskatoon, with the goal of reducing the risk of overdoses and other drug-related harms in the province’s two largest cities.

The Overdose Outreach Teams, which will comprise a mental health and addictions counsellor and a primary care paramedic, will work to connect individuals who have recently experienced an overdose with programs and services that can help them.

The teams are being led by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, with help from partner agencies including the Saskatoon Fire Department and Regina Fire and Protective Services.

Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s minster for mental health and addictions, said the project is designed specifically to help those who are suffering from addictions issues.

“Establishing these teams is part of our commitment to helping people who are living with addictions by improving access to addictions and harm-reduction services,” Hindley said in a statement.

The pilot program will run until May 15, the Ministry of Health said, and referrals can come from anyone, including family members, police, firefighters and health-care professionals. The person who overdosed must give their consent to work with the team.

Morgan Hackl, Saskatoon’s fire chief, said he’s seen the harm caused by overdoses.

“The Saskatoon Fire Department has witnessed first-hand the increase in medical calls related to overdoses,” Hackl said in the statement. “The proactive collaboration of the Overdose Outreach Team will be instrumental in providing co-ordinated support to those with addictions.”

Regina Fire Chief Layne Jackson agreed, saying the program aligns well with the department’s goals to take preventative and proactive approaches to community safety.

The Saskatchewan Drug Task Force is providing $250,000 to fund the pilot, which is part of a larger $650,000 investment funding various initiatives in drug hot-spots around the province.