Kwanlin Dün chief says overcrowding contributing to opioid deaths – APTN News
Aug 03, 2020
The chief of Kwanlin Dün First Nation says stressors like lack of affordable housing, overcrowding an a lack of treatment facilities are contributing to the high opioid death problems in the territory.
Doris Bill said the situation is extremely concerning.
“Community leaders and health officials have known for years that Indigenous people have disproportionately been impacted by the overdose crisis,” she said.
According to the territory’s coroner, 13 people have died this year in the Yukon as a result of a drug overdose.
Heather Jones said of the thirteen deaths, nine were opioid related. Five of the nine opioid related deaths were First Nations.
Jones said she has no data regarding whether the other non-opioid overdoses may also be First Nations.
“Clearly, clearly, clearly, the numbers we are seeing this year are a cause for real concern and deep sadness,” she said.
