The provincial government has launched an action plan to prevent overdoses and deaths to Prince Edward Island youth and adults caused by opioids.
The plan has four main focus areas….opioid-related overdose and death surveillance; rapid-response protocol to address a sudden increase in opioid-related overdoses in PEI; harm reduction, including access to naloxone, opioid replacement therapy, and communications and education; and collaboration on opioid supply.
Chief Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison says the plan builds on a number of initiatives already underway.
While the opioid situation in PEI is not as severe as it is in other provinces, it has been deadly here. In 2016 there were 5 accidental apparent opioid-related deaths in PEI. So far in 2017, health officials are aware of 6 accidental opioid related overdoses in PEI and less-than 5 deaths.
The Action Plan was co-led by the PEI Chief Public Health Office and Department of Justice and Public Safety. It follows consultations with individuals with lived experience, plus front-line providers, and others.