WINNIPEG — In the wake of several suspected opioid-related deaths in Winnipeg, the province along with police and fire officials launched a public awareness campaign about the dangers of fentanyl.
The campaign was unveiled at Shaftesbury High School in Tuxedo on Friday.
Justice Minister Heather Stefanson, Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen, Fire Chief John Lane and Police Chief Danny Smyth were in attendance to make the announcement.
“Our crews have never seen anything like what they’re seeing these days,” Lane said.
Over the past few months, there have been several suspected fentanyl and carfentanil related overdoses. The teens in attendance said they only recently heard about the deadly drug, but don’t know of anyone in their circles experimenting with opioids.
WATCH: Winnipeg paramedic warns of the dangers of abusing fentanyl
“It’s something that came up in terms of the dangers of it, not really the use of it. We’ve heard about it in the news,” Skylar Park, grade 12 student said.
The province is hoping that by keeping the campaign online, they will reach a broad demographic.
“It doesn’t cost you anything to share something, it doesn’t cost you anything to talk to somebody and you don’t know who’s life you might be saving,” Goertzen said.
Nov. 20
One man was found dead as a result of a suspected fentanyl overdose in the 200 block of McDermot Avenue. Tests are being done to confirm the cause of the death. That same night emergency crews were called to the Richmond West neighbourhood around 9:30 p.m.
READ MORE: Two dead, one in critical condition after suspected fentanyl overdoses
Two men were found in medical distress inside a home in the first 100 block of Kinlock Lane. Both were rushed to hospital but the 22-year-old man died. A 21-year-old has since been upgraded to stable condition. Police say they found illicit drugs in the home and suspect it’s fentanyl, but again, are awaiting tests.
Nov. 16
One man and two women were found dead inside a home in Inkster Gardens Wednesday morning, and police say it could be fentanyl related.
READ MORE: 3 found dead from suspected fentanyl exposure in Winnipeg home, police say
Officers found three bodies as well as an “unknown white substance and drug paraphernalia,” Const. Rob Carver of the Winnipeg police said Wednesday. However, Carver said they are suspicious the white substance was fentanyl.
Oct. 21
On Oct. 21, police found an infant boy in critical condition in a house on Aikens Street in the North End, and rushed him to hospital. Police confirmed he was exposed to the deadly drug, carfentanil in his Winnipeg home.
The 9-month-old recovered and now is safe in care, police said.
READ MORE: Tests confirm infant was exposed to carfentanil at Winnipeg home, police say
After the incident, Const. Jason Michalyshen from the Winnipeg Police Service aid the use of fentanyl and carfentanil is growing in the city.
“This is a wake up call for our entire community,” Michalyshen said. “The conversation needs to be had that the drug is in our community and cannot ignore it.”
Oct. 3
Two bodies were found in a car in the North End on the 200 block of College Avenue. Police said they cannot confirm the cause of death, as they’re still waiting on results from autopsies. However, they did say there is a possibility of a connection to fentanyl or carfentanil.
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