Prince George reached another sombre milestone related to BC’s toxic drug crisis.
The northern capital tallied 110 illicit drug fatalities in 2024, surpassing the previous record high of 92 the year prior.
Earlier today (Tuesday), the BC Coroners Service stated there were a combined 299 deaths province-wide in November and December.
The number of unregulated drug deaths in BC in 2024 was 2,253, a 13% year-over-year decline (2,578).
“The information collected by our coroners during their investigations into unregulated drug toxicity deaths indicates a decline in fatalities over the last several months of 2024. This is consistent with reporting from other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner.
“This doesn’t mitigate the fact that 2,253 members of our communities died in 2024, leaving behind grieving loved ones, friends, colleagues and, teammates. Our thoughts are with all of those many, many people who have been touched by this crisis.”
To wrap up 2024, Northern Health recorded 204 drug deaths, over half of them occurred in PG.
Northern Health continues to have the highest drug death rate per 100,000 at 67.2.
Female death rates are also highest in the north at 45 per 100,000. The rate of female drug deaths is 50% higher than it was in 2020.
Unregulated drug toxicity remains the leading cause of unnatural death for people in British Columbia aged 10 to 59 and accounts for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural disease combined.
70% of the deaths reported were people between the ages of 30 and 49.
Health Minister Josie Osborne issued the following statement on the year-end report:
“Today, we acknowledge the 2,253 people in British Columbia who lost their lives to poisoned drugs in 2024. Behind every number is a child, parent, sibling, friend or neighbour, and their loss is felt deeply by those who knew and loved them. The toxic-drug crisis also continues to take a heavy toll on the people working on the front lines who care for and support many of the people we’ve lost. We must continue to work together to prevent further heartbreak and save lives.
“This public health emergency touches every corner of our province. Addiction can be influenced by many factors, including housing challenges, the cost of living, mental and physical pain, and intergenerational trauma. By addressing these issues openly and expanding supports, we can help reduce the stigma around substance use and encourage individuals to seek help rather than struggle in addiction.
“Although there is a decrease in deaths, 152 in November 2024 and 147 in December 2024, this in no way diminishes grief that permeates our communities.
“Our government is continuing to expand mental-health and addictions care, including early intervention and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, support and complex-care housing, and more. We are building up a seamless system of care so everyone, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, has access to the care they need.
“Most recently, we announced more substance-use treatment beds in communities throughout the province so more people can get the support they need. These beds are part of a record expansion of mental-health and substance-use care for those who need it most, including underserved groups and those in rural and remote communities.
“We know there is still more to do. By working together and continuing to expand life-saving services, more people can find their pathway to recovery.”
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