Regina’s Drug Crisis: Community Walk Highlights Urgent Need for Action

UPDATE: Local organizations in Regina are intensifying efforts to address the city’s escalating drug crisis. On July 28, 2025, the Regina/Treaty Status Indian Services (RTSIS) held its fourth annual drug awareness walk in the North Central neighbourhood, aiming to spark crucial conversations around substance misuse and addiction.

The urgent need for awareness is underscored by alarming statistics from the Regina Police Service (RPS), which reports that 48 individuals have died from drug toxicity in Regina alone this year. Across the entire province of Saskatchewan, there have been 224 suspected or confirmed drug toxicity deaths in 2025, although this figure reflects a 14% decrease from 2024.

RTSIS executive director Natasha Kennedy emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “Our community is heavily impacted by substance misuse and abuse. It allows us to have the conversation and bring together the community.” The march serves not only as a call to action but also as a vital support system for individuals grappling with addiction.

Among the participants was Jennifer Desjarlais, a recovering addict and alcoholic, who shared her personal journey. “I have been through my healing journey for over eight years, being sober for the past 16 months,” she revealed. Tragically, Desjarlais has lost both her sister and niece to drug-related overdoses. “Everybody has lost somebody to addiction,” she noted, highlighting the community’s collective grief and urgency for change.

The drug awareness walk is a poignant reminder of the lives affected by addiction, offering support for those in recovery and honoring those lost. “This is a great way of coming together and supporting our people and those still active in addiction,” Desjarlais added.

In light of these statistics and personal stories, Kennedy reiterated the necessity of ongoing discussions about addiction. “It makes me want to bring more awareness,” she said, revealing her own family has been touched by loss due to overdose this year. “We need to facilitate conversations at the necessary levels.”

RPS Acting Chief Lorilee Davies emphasized the complex nature of addiction, noting, “It takes a lot of collaboration among different agencies to determine the path forward.” The community’s commitment to this cause was palpable during the walk, with participants expressing hope for a future where such awareness efforts are no longer needed.

As the event concluded, Kennedy reaffirmed the community’s dedication: “We’ll have the walk today, but tomorrow we’re going to continue the conversation and support our community.” Desjarlais added, “We take it one day at a time and keep loving one another.”

The ongoing drug crisis in Regina highlights an urgent need for collective action and understanding. As community organizations lead the charge, the conversation surrounding addiction continues to expand, fostering hope and resilience among those affected.