Published 4 days ago • loading... • Updated 3 days ago

‘Frostbite capital’: Efforts to reduce frostbite amputations underway in Edmonton

On Jan. 5, 2026, the Canadian Frostbite Care Network called Edmonton, Alberta, Canada’s frostbite capital after amputations rose from 81 in 2023 to 120 in 2024.
Experts say some patients need repeat amputations after returning to the streets, while Caitlin Champion cites lack of affordable housing and drug addiction as key contributors.
On the ground, shelters and clinics are seeing frostbite patients every hour when temperatures drop below freezing, while Hope Mission has hired more nurses as most procedures involve Edmonton's homeless, and AHS numbers understate injuries.
The province says the spike partly reflects increased awareness and early intervention, and through Budget 2025, Alberta's government is adding homelessness supports and sharing a frostbite guide with front-line support workers, city recreation centres and libraries.
Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare, urged urgent action, saying `Our government should be treating this as the public health crisis that it is and acting urgently on solutions`, while increased outreach and 48-hour hospital care for vulnerable people are recommended.

Insights by Ground AI

Podcasts & Opinions

Podcast Mention