Yukon free naloxone distribution expands to local health centres after 4 deaths in 2016

Community health centres across Yukon will begin giving out take-home naloxone kits over the next couple of weeks, as part of the government's effort to prevent more fentanyl-related deaths.

Naloxone can temporarily reverse a fentanyl overdose.

"So we've taken some initiatives from across the country and tried to implement best practices in the Yukon," said Health Minister Pauline Frost.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50-100 times stronger than morphine, can overwhelm the respiratory system and prevent breathing, said the Yukon's Medical Officer of Heath, Brendan Hanley.

The kits have been available in Yukon at all pharmacies and at Kwanlin Dn First Nation Health Centre, Taiga Medical Clinic, Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, and Alcohol and Drug Services in Whitehorse.

On the spot training

Dr. Sharon Lazeo at the Taiga Clinic in Whitehorse said it began distributing the kits in December.

She said there's been high demand from patients, family members and others.

"We usher them in a room," she said. "It can be anonymous,you can give us your name. It's your choice. And we teach you on the spot how to use the kit. It is really as easy as that."

Training on how to use the injection takes about 10 minutes.

Dr. Brendan Hanley said naloxone is harmless and safe to have at home. The biggest danger is a prick from the needle and potential risk of infection from a used needle.

Frontline RCMP officers in Yukon are also carrying naloxone in nasal spray form, said Sgt. Calista MacLeod.

She said one member of the public came into the Whitehorse detachment concerned about having overdose symptoms and was treated with the nasal spray before being taken to the hospital.

4 confirmed fentanyl deaths in 2016

Hanley said while the spray may be more convenient, injections have been around longer and are proven to be effective. He added that at about $35 per kit they are also far cheaper than the nasal spray which costs almost $200 per dose.

Hanleysaid there have been five suspected fentanyl-related deaths in Yukon over the past year. Tests have now linked four of those deaths to fentanyl, said Hanley. He is waiting for toxicology results in the fifth fatality.

He said there have been no further suspected fentanyl-related deaths since mid-December when he last raised concerns, but there are still patients occasionally admitted to the hospital emergency department with fentanyl overdose symptoms.