The number of illicit drug deaths continue to rise in BC’s overdose crisis, however Northern Health recorded 34 overdose deaths from January to August of this year, a decrease from 36 during the same period in 2016.
The BC Coroner’s Service released data on Thursday, noting the province’s illicit drug overdose deaths already have surpassed the 2016 total for the entire year.
There have been a suspected 1,013 overdose deaths and preliminary data indicates there were 113 this past August alone, a 79% increase from August 2016.
In a statement, Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe calls it heartbreaking to see the continued high numbers despite numerous initiatives and harm reduction measures in place.
“This highlights the complexities of drug dependency and illicit drug use, and the importance of a co-ordinated, health-focused approach to this medical issue. We also need people to know that no illicit substance in this province can be considered safe, whether you know your dealer or not. Anyone using an illicit substance must be prepared for an adverse effect and must have someone else present who is willing and able to help.”
Over 80% of the suspected deaths had drugs laced with fentanyl and, in most cases, was combined with other illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
Almost three out of every four deaths involved persons between the ages of 30 and 59 years; four out of five who died were male.
– with files from Rebecca Kelli, My Cariboo Now
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