Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee and Dr. Sudit Ranade, the chief medical officer of health, have responded to the recent deaths of four Yukoners.

Chief coroner Heather Jones said last Thursday the deaths are likely related to substance abuse issues.

Two of the deaths were in Whitehorse, one in Watson Lake and one in Haines Junction. They occurred between Apr. 15 and last Tuesday.

Substance abuse issues took the lives of 25 Yukoners in 2022.

“The Substance Use Health Emergency continues to have a profound and devastating impact on our communities, with the toxic drug supply compounding the issue even further,” McPhee and Ranade said in a joint statement.

“We extend our condolences and sympathy to all those whose lives have been impacted by substance use in their communities.

“We urge Yukoners to remain extremely vigilant, to never use alone and to always have someone present who can respond in case of an emergency,” they said.

“This situation has claimed too many lives, leaving families, friends and communities grieving the loss of their loved ones. We recognize that each life lost is a tragedy and we are committed to doing everything in our power to help prevent further suffering.”

Those measures, the two said, include expanding access to treatment and recovery services, implementing harm reduction strategies, and increasing public education and awareness about the dangers of substance use.

“We continue to work closely with Yukon First Nations, community partners and other governments to co-ordinate our response and develop solutions to this complex issue.

“An essential component of our response is the emphasis on drug checking and naloxone.”

The two cited drug-checking services, provided by organizations such as the Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, the Outreach Van, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

They offer “a crucial safety measure for those who use substances, helping to identify potentially lethal components in drugs and decreasing the likeliness of fatal overdoses,” McPhee and Ranade said.

Fentanyl test strips are also available at all Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services locations across the territory, along with training on their proper use.

“We encourage individuals to take advantage of these services whenever possible to help ensure their safety and well-being,” the minister and physician said.

“Equally important is our focus on increasing the accessibility of naloxone kits, a life-saving resource that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

“We urge Yukoners to familiarize themselves with how to use naloxone kits and keep them on hand, as this knowledge and preparedness can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

“At the same time, we recognize the need for a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to addressing substance use issues. We must come together as a community to support those who are struggling and encourage them to seek help.

“Compassion, understanding, and empathy are key to creating an environment where our loved ones feel safe to access the resources and assistance they need on their path to recovery.”

The territory-wide substance use health emergency declared in January 2022 and the toxic drug supply have impacted every part of Yukon society, the two said.

“We once again offer our sincerest condolences to all those affected as well as our resolve to address the issue and build safer, more resilient Yukon communities.”