‘It’s really hard to stay on top of it’: Harm reduction workers host drop-in event focused on education, compassion

The table at the Streetworks drop-in event on Aug. 29, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton)

A harm reduction program in the city took to the streets Friday with naloxone kits and information booths in the lead up to International Overdose Awareness Day with the goal of educating people on drug overdose and addiction safety.

The Streetworks team was at Sir Winston Churchill Square on Friday afternoon for a drop-in information day that discussed the complexities of substance use.

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It’s an event they say they try to host at least once a year.

“We’re here to provide some awareness and overdose education regarding the issue,” said Patrick Black, overdose prevention manager, on Friday.

“Overdoses in the province are reaching too high a number, and we are hoping to spread awareness.”

In just March of this year, 87 opioid-related deaths were recorded in the Edmonton area, marking the most since 2016, when the province first began tracking them.

Part of a perceived increase in overdose deaths, Black said, was because of the makeup of drugs on the streets.

“The toxic drug supply is ever-changing. Every couple of months, something new is added to the mix, so it’s really hard to stay on top of it,” he said.

The City of Edmonton’s website acknowledges that the area is seeing a drug poisoning crisis that affects the quality, degree of contamination and accessibility of drugs that give someone a greater risk of overdose and death.

Naloxone kits, sometimes known by the brand name Narcan, and demonstrations on how to use them were readily available at the booths. Workers said it takes five to 10 minutes to learn how to use it.

“If you do need to use it, you can remember the process and steps, call emergency services, provide naloxone, maybe give rescue breaths,” Black added.

While naloxone can still be vital to saving someone’s life, Streetworks said it’s getting increasingly difficult to bring someone back due to drug supply contamination.

Still, workers and volunteers want people to stay aware of the signs of an overdose, and when to potentially get naloxone and emergency services involved.

“Generally, they’re going to be lying on the ground or slumped over in a seat. They’re not going to be breathing, or maybe one breath per minute,” Black explained.

“Often, depending on your skin tone, folks may turn quite grayish or bluish, they won’t be reacting to asking their name or shouting to them.”

The big tell, though, if you’re concerned and comfortable doing so, is someone’s response to pain.

A pinch to their trap muscles or a sternal rub on their chest that doesn’t get a reaction is a fair signal of needing naloxone.

If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, Streetworks said to call 911 and stay with the person until emergency crews arrive – advice echoed on the city’s official page.

Sunday will see an event by Healing Hearts Society and Moms Stop the Harm, both support groups for people who have lost loved ones to substance abuse, in Victoria Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Evan Klippenstein