Prince George has recorded the fifth-most overdose/ poisoning events among municipalities in B.C. so far in 2024.
According to data from BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), local medics have responded to 1,466 calls since January 1st.
Vancouver has recorded the most such incidents, followed by Surrey, Victoria and Kelowna.
Prince George tallied a monthly-high 195 overdose calls in February, followed by January (186), June (177) and July (160).
Here is the monthly breakdown of overdose/ poisoning events in Prince George during 2024:
- January: 186
- February : 195
- March: 139
- April: 116
- May: 160
- June: 177
- July: 176
- August: 142
- September: 114
- October to date (as of 11:00 a.m. October 22): 61
Local paramedics responded to a record-high 1,833 overdose calls in 2023.
Even more alarming, the yearly breakdown has seen a steady rise in PG over the last eight years.
2016 – 362
2017 – 461
2018 – 594
2019 – 626
2020 – 999
2021 – 1,307
2022 – 1,466
2023 – 1,833
2024 – 1,466 * as of October 22nd
BCEHS continues to stress the importance of not using illicit substances alone, and downloading the Connect by Lifeguard app .
People are reminded to call 9-1-1 if they see someone who may be experiencing an overdose.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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