Drug-poisoning deaths in Alberta remain high, new records set: Alberta Health data
Newly released data from Alberta's health ministry shows that 168 people died from drug poisonings in July of this year. That is two fewer deaths than the month prior, however it still has the highest number of deaths of any July on record and is up by 45 deaths compared to the same month last year.
The new data also retroactively added two deaths to April's total, bringing it up to a record breaking total of 194. Previously November 2021 and April 2023 were tied for the months with the highest deaths on record with 192 deaths each.
- 2023 had highest number of drug-poisoning deaths of any June on record: Alberta Health data
- More than 1,600 Albertans died from drug-poisoning deaths in 2022: provincial data
- Police in Edmonton, Red Deer find increased use of animal tranquilizer in local drug supplies
- Is Alberta's approach to addiction truly behind the declining number of drug-poisoning deaths?
When comparing deaths in the first seven months of the year, 2023 has had the most with 1169, while last year had the second highest total with 1021. That is a 14.5 per cent increase.
The year 2021 had the highest total number of deaths on record with 1,865.
Of the deaths reported in the first seven months of 2023, the age group most affected were those in the 35-39 range, accounting for 210 of the deaths, followed by those aged 30-34 with 181. Of those deaths, only six per cent did not involve opioids.
Of the substance-related deaths that have been released so far this year, 32 per cent were in Edmonton, and 36 per cent have been in Calgary, while the remainder occurred elsewhere in the province. Edmonton had 58 deaths reported in July, while Calgary had 57.
Since January 2016, 9,455 Albertans have died of drug poisoning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Mackenzie Hughes 'gutted' after falling short at RBC Canadian Open
Mackenzie Hughes had the dream scenario of winning the RBC Canadian Open in his hometown within reach but then it all slipped away.
Motorcycle doing wheelies, weaving in, out of traffic caught on Highway 417
A motorcycle driver is facing charges after being caught on Highway 417 doing wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says.
Oilers advance to Stanley Cup final by beating Stars in Game 6
The Edmonton Oilers rode their special teams and goaltender to victory on Sunday, beating the Dallas Stars 2-1 to win the National Hockey League's Western Conference and earn a berth in the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers.
'Rotten rock': Climate change altering the face of Canadian mountaineering
The Abbot Pass hut stood for decades in a rugged saddle between two iconic peaks, overlooking the limpid turquoise of Banff National Park's Lake Louise — a destination for alpinists from around the world until the ground melted beneath it and forced its closure.
North Korea says it will stop sending trash balloons as South Korea vows strong retaliation
South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.
'The legacy I want to leave:' Mother with Stage 4 cancer advocates for survivors
People around the world are observing National Cancer Survivor Day, an annual celebration held to honour patients who have been through the often difficult and traumatic experience of living with cancer.
Driver missing after vehicle plunges into the Riviere-des-Prairies between Montreal and Laval
Emergency response crews are on the scene Sunday morning after a vehicle plunged into the Riviere des Prairies in Montreal.