Fentanyl abuse a public health crisis, Calgary workshop told

Fentanyl abuse has reached "public health crisis" status and hundreds could die if nothing is done that's the message from a youth addictions group to parents in a workshop held in Calgary Thursday evening.

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"The fact is with fentanyl today one pill can kill so the importance of educating parents can't be overstated," said Dr. Jackie Smith, director of community education and research with Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre.

The workshop brought together experts in addiction and harm reduction, including from Alberta Health Services, and attracted hundreds.

"We are aligning with Calgary police for the public to have more awareness and education regarding the escalating death toll with fentanyl abuse," Smith said.

Fentanyl has been linked to 145 deaths in Alberta between January and June with 45 of those fatalities in Calgary. Experts say the death toll could reach 300 by the end of the year.

While critics have said Alberta has responded slowly to the "crisis,"Smithsays educating parents is key in the fight.