Spike in illicit drug overdose deaths

The B.C. Coroner’s Service is reporting 113 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths in the province in March.

“Exceeding 100 deaths in a month has not occurred since March 2019,” stated the report. “113 deaths represent a 3 per cent decrease over the number of deaths seen in March 2019 (117) and a 61 per cent increase over the number of deaths in February 2020 (70).”

Seventeen of the fatalities were in the Interior Health region, down from the 24 in March last year.

Vernon has had four illicit drug overdose deaths this year, compared to 15 for all of last year.

In Kelowna, there has been 11 illicit drug overdose deaths to the end of March, compared to 33 for all of 2019.

Males have accounted for 76 per cent of deaths in 2020, similar to 2019 with 76 per cent.

In 2020, 73 per cent of those dying were aged 19 to 49. In 2019 and 2018, 68 per cent were in this age range.

By health authority, Northern Health has the highest rate of illicit drug toxicity deaths, followed by Interior Health in 2020.

From 2018 to March 2020, the rates of illicit drug toxicity deaths are highest in Hope, Fort Nelson, North Thompson, Lillooet and Arrow Lakes.

Click here to read more of the report.