New data has found an 800 per cent rise in First Nations deaths linked to opioid fentanyl since 2001, prompting calls for more investment in support services.
The Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council describes the finding as troubling saying it’s a real crisis for First Nations communities.
The latest Annual Overdose Report produced by the Penington Institute also found that First Nations people are four times more likely to die from a drug overdose than their non-Indigenous counterparts.
Scott Wilson is the council’s Director and a board member of the Penington Institute.
He says pressure needs to be put on governments to boost investment in addressing the crisis.
