The number of accidental fatal drug poisonings reported in the first three months of 2024 in Lethbridge is the lowest it has been in three years.

According to the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, between January and March of this year, there were 14 lives lost, which is less than half the 37 deaths reported in 2022 and 34 reported last year. All fourteen deaths were connected to non-pharmaceutical opioids. In March there were four accidental fatal drug poisonings reported.

Across Alberta, in the first three months of 2024, there were 351 accidental fatal drug poisonings reported, down from the 417 reported in 2023 and 441 in 2024.