The Nova Scotia government has started posting monthly statistics of how many people are dying from opioid-related overdoses.
It is one of the tools and initiatives released in the province’s new opioid use and overdose framework.
The framework focuses on five areas including understanding the issue, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and prescribing practices and criminal justice and law enforcement.
Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, has saved at least 40 lives in Nova Scotia since last January.
Health and Wellness Minister, Randy Delorey, says Naloxone kits will be available to the public, free of charge, starting September 1.
“It puts lifesaving Naloxone in the hands of people who use opioids as well as their loved ones.”
The kits will be available through 300 community pharmacies in the province which Delorey adds is a convenient and trusted location.
“One that doesn’t carry a stigma if you’re to go in to visit. I would urge people in the province with family members, friends and other loved ones who are using opioids to visit the local pharmacy this fall and ask for a kit.”
The Department of Justice has also provided naloxone kits and training to 130 sheriffs, 86 corrections officers and more than 1,900 police officers.
There have been 24 confirmed and 5 probable deaths due to opioid use this year as of the end of June.
