A new report from the BC Coroner’s Service (BCCS) says unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of unnatural death among youth in the province.
Between 2019 and 2023, 126 youths lost their lives to toxic drugs. 60% of them were between 17 and 18 years old.
28 of those came last year, accounting for a little over 1% of BC’s total toxic drug deaths – 2,551.
Northern Health has seen the fewest number of deaths caused by drugs in this time frame, 2 last year and 9 since 2019.
In contrast, Fraser Health has seen the most deaths since 2019 with 40 – 8 of which were recorded last year.
BCCS says fentanyl was detected in 83% of these deaths.
80% of drug deaths recorded in the general public are men, however, more than half of youths who passed away from drug use since 2019 were female.
Two thirds of those who died were receiving, or had received support from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and two thirds had a diagnosis or anecdotal evidence pointing towards a mental health disorder.
You can read the full report here.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
