“These three calls highlight the difficult work our members do in a community that is, like many others, dealing with addictions and mental health issues."

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says they have seen a dramatic increase of opioid overdoses during the coronavirus crisis.

Alberta Health Services has come out with a warning for those who use illegal drugs after the number of calls for opioid-related emergencies more than doubled in Edmonton last month over the same month last year.

For those dealing with addiction, life amid the COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened the struggle.

The late nurse struggled with opioid addiction since his early 20s.

RCMP are issuing a warning about laced drugs in the Wood Buffalo area after three people, including a Mountie, were taken to hospital Friday night for suspected exposure overdoses.

"Health has to be involved and work with those with addictions because … until they’re able to shake the addiction off themselves, we’re not going to see great changes."

Since the last week of April, there have been at least six deaths in Guelph, Ont., connected to suspected drug overdoses.

Health officials say there were at least 17 overdoses in Guelph, including one fatality, to begin the month of May

So far this year, 11 people have died from overdoses, while Regina police believe 11 other deaths are a result of drug use.