Author Archives: BTDH Communications

Blood Tribe Opens the First Indigenous Recovery Community in Alberta

Dog Safety for Community members and staff

Dogs are part of many families in our community, offering companionship and protection. However, even friendly dogs can become protective or nervous around unfamiliar visitors, leading to potential safety concerns for healthcare staff, clients, and community members.

For Clients With Dogs At Home:

If you have an appointment with a Home Care Nurse, Community Health Representative, or another BTDH service provider, please ensure your dog is secured in a separate room or fenced area before their arrival. Let staff know if you have a dog ahead of time, especially if your pet is anxious or protective, and if your dog must be present, ensure they are always on a leash and under control

For Community Members Accessing BTDH Facilities

If you notice a stray or aggressive dog near a BTDH location, inform staff so the appropriate action can be taken. Resist the urge to give treats and/or food to dogs, no matter how friendly the animal may seem. 

Avoid approaching a dog that is sleeping, barking, snarling, eating, or caring for puppies. If the dog feels vulnerable, it may fight to protect its territory. Don’t run past a dog, as it will naturally want to chase and catch you.

BTDH Newsletter

Blood Tribe Emergency Services Records Three-Month Streak of Zero Overdose Responses

Standoff, AB — Blood Tribe Emergency Services (BTES) has reported a significant milestone: zero overdose-related emergency calls since December 2025. This three-month period marks the longest stretch of zero drug-related interventions in recent history, signalling a decline in opioid overdoses and toxicity deaths on the Blood Tribe. 

While the number of overdose related responses has dropped, BTES crews remain busy responding to emergency calls including grass fires, motor vehicle collisions, and medical assists.

In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, BTES completed over 3400 patient care reports and reported 44 overdose related calls.

This historic news offers a rare moment of reprieve for first responders. Blood Tribe Emergency Services reminds community members to never use substances alone. In the event of an accidental overdose, having someone present can be the difference between life or death. Blood Tribe Members can pick up Naloxone Kits at the following Blood Tribe programs and facilities:

• Blood Tribe Department of Health: 403-737-3888
• Levern Clinic: 403-737-8610
• BTDH Emergency Services (Fire Hall): 403-737-2102
• Blood Tribe Pharmacy: 403-737-3810

About the Blood Tribe Department of Health

The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) offers culturally competent, holistic, and accessible health and wellness services. Established in 1984, BTDH provides a range of services and is committed to uplifting the health and well-being of its people through comprehensive and tailored health initiatives.

Blood Tribe Emergency Services is dedicated to protecting life, property and the environment by providing emergency response and community education. Prevent, Protect, Preserve, and Respect. 

For information contact:

Kelsey No Runner

Director of Communications

403-361-1704 | communications@btdh.ca

Statement Regarding Closure of the Lethbridge Drug Consumption Services Site

Standoff, AB —The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) issued the following statement today regarding the Government of Alberta’s announcement of the closure of the Lethbridge Drug Consumption Services (DCS) site:

“We support the reinvestment toward recovery and outreach services at the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit. The transition away from the DCS sites will allow for the provision of a broader range of services to reduce harm and improve direct access to treatment for the people we serve. This announcement and action from the province are a vital step in improving health outcomes in our community.”

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About the Blood Tribe Department of Health

The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) offers culturally competent, holistic, and accessible health and wellness services. Established in 1984, BTDH provides a range of services and is committed to uplifting the health and well-being of its people through comprehensive and tailored health initiatives.

BTDH assumed operations of the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit in 2023 and provides emergency shelter and stabilization services through recovery-focused interventions, providing pathways for our most vulnerable members. 

For information contact:

Kelsey No Runner

Director of Communications

403-361-1704 | communications@btdh.ca

Community Based Water Monitors Awarded First In Water Sample Collection by ISC

Congratulations to our Blood Tribe Department of Health Environmental Public Health Team who have been awarded first prize for Water Sample Collection by Indigenous Services Canada!

Last year, the Community Based Water Monitor Program in collaboration with the ISC Environmental Public Health services team completed over 2700 water sampling tests at water treatment plants and other water systems within the Blood Tribe. 

The team consists of William Little Bera, Molly Davis, Patty Eagle Child, Joanne Wells and Charlene Raju. Their hard work and commitment to achieving full sampling compliance have been recognized for the Blood Tribe’s excellence in environmental public health.

This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and technical precision.

Boil Water Advisory Cancelled for Moses Lake Public Water Supply

Please be advised that the Boil Water Advisory for the Moses Lake Public Water Supply has been cancelled. The advisory applies to all houses, daycares and buildings connected to the plant.

Appropriate actions have been taken and follow-up bacteriological water results have been satisfactory. The water is now safe for purposes such as drinking, making ice, preparing baby formula, juice or other mixes, brushing teeth, food preparation, including washing fruits and vegetables.

Notice of Temporary Closure: February 6, 2026

Due to a water main break in Standoff, the Blood Tribe Department of Health Continuing Care Centre, and Administration Building will be closed until further notice. This closure impacts all essential and non-essential programs operating out of the main facility in Standoff, including:

• Long Term Care
• Continuing Care
• Medical Transportation
• Mobile Medical Unit
• Bringing the Spirit Home
• Home Care
• Community Health
• Standoff Clinic
• Administration
• Blood Tribe Pharmacy
• Blood Tribe Dental

Program Updates

Long Term Care: Residents are being safely transported by Medical Transportation and Emergency Services to appropriate care options, including placement with family or partnering continuing care facilities.

Bringing the Spirit Home: Participants will be relocated to the Standoff Post-Detox Trailers, where detox and post-detox services will continue. Please note that new intakes are suspended until services resume at the main facility.

Medical Transportation and Mobile Medical Unit: Limited services will continue on Friday, February 6.

Home Care: Limited services will continue on Friday, February 6.

Community Health: Limited services will continue on Friday, February 6.

Standoff Clinic: Closed until further notice.

Administration: Open Friday, February 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for cheque pick-up, including weekly and payroll cheques.

Blood Tribe Pharmacy: Open Friday, February 6. Please contact the Pharmacy for hours of operation.

Blood Tribe Dental: Closed Friday, February 6.

BTDH Wellness Program, Blood Tribe Emergency Services, Levern Clinic, and Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit are NOT affected by this disruption and will continue to operate as normal.

Staff from affected programs will be available remotely with limited access to on-site resources. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this unexpected disruption in services.

Blood Tribe Department of Health Teddy Bear Fair

Looking for fun for the family? Then don’t miss out on this year’s Teddy Bear Fair, happening on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Kainai Multi-Purpose Building in Standoff.

The Teddy Bear Fair is designed to be a welcoming, low-stress environment where families can engage with health resources and ensure their children are hitting important developmental milestones.

The fair features a variety of stations staffed by qualified health professionals. These booths are designed to provide information and quick check-ins across multiple areas of child development, including:

• Physicians will be on-site to answer general questions.
• Information on oral hygiene and early dental care.
• Tips for healthy eating habits and family meal planning.
• Specialists in Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology will be available to discuss communication, motor skills, and emotional well-being.

There will be health screenings for children ages 3 to 6 years. The free family fun will also include prizes and draws. For more information, please call Community Health at 403-737-3933.

Boil Water Advisory Cancelled for Standoff Public Water Supply

Please be advised that the Boil Water Advisory for the Standoff Public Water Supply has been cancelled. The advisory applies to all 56 homes served by rural water line, Centre Lease Road Water Line and Standoff Public Water Supply.

Appropriate actions have been taken and follow-up bacteriological water results have been satisfactory. The water is now safe for purposes such as drinking, making ice, preparing baby formula, juice or other mixes, brushing teeth, food preparation, including washing fruits and vegetables.