Tartan Table owner Niall Kerr (center) holds a Naloxone kit. He is flanked by Fred Simpson (left) of AIDS Saskatoon and Access Place outreach nurse Brittany Nicolas (right). (submitted photo/Saskatchewan Health Authority)

By Alison Sandstrom

Opioid crisis

Naloxone provided to P.A. bars and restaurants

Nov 1, 2019 | 5:11 PM

A new initiative wants to give an overdose-reversing drug to as many Prince Albert bars and restaurants as possible.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority and the local branch of AIDS Saskatoon are encouraging any establishment that serves alcohol to contact them to receive naloxone kits and training on how to use them.

Fred Simpson, with the P.A. branch of AIDS Saskatoon, told paNOW it’s not just long-term drug users who are at risk of an opioid overdose.

“When people are drinking, their inhibitions are lowered and they may be curious about drugs. It might have an opioid in it and if there’s naloxone onsite at least that bar or establishment is prepared to help someone if they overdose,” he said.

“They are trained, and they can save a life.”

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The Tartan Table on Central Avenue was one of the first businesses to sign up to get the drug. Owner Niall Kerr said he and his staff are set to receive the training next week.

“I would hope never to use it,” Kerr said. “But if I had to, it will be great to have it.”

(submitted photo/Saskatchewan Health Authority)

Naloxone works by blocking opioids from binding to receptors in the brain. When injected or administered via nasal spray, the medication can allow someone who is unresponsive to regain consciousness and breath normally.

While the medication is only effective in the case of opioid overdose, Access Place outreach nurse Brittany Nicolas said other drugs like cocaine or crystal meth sometimes contain opioids.

“If the cocaine was laced with an opioid, the person might not know they ingested an opioid, but if they did and they overdosed, then this would be the medication that would help,” she said.

Nicolas added anyone, not just owners of bars or restaurants, could contact her or Simpson to receive naloxone kits and training.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom