A Provincial Drug Alert System has been launched in an effort to monitor and warn others of the toxicity of illicit drugs across Saskatchewan.

With the new system, drug alerts will be sent to at-risk people via text, email, and through the Alertable app, however anyone can sign up to receive the alerts.

Drug alerts will be issued based on information provided to the Ministry of Health from several partner organizations including the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, Regina and Saskatoon fire services, and drug checking sites in Saskatoon and Regina.

Alerts will be sent when there are reports of many people being seen by paramedic or in hospital with an overdose over a short period of time, more than expected ICU admissions or deaths over a short period of time, multiple overdoses in people who use or live in the same area or who report use of a common substance, overdoses that are difficult to reverse with naloxone, and concerning substances in circulation that are causing harm or death.

Signup information is available at saskatchewan.ca/drug-alerts or text JOIN to 1-833-35-B-SAFE (352-7233).