Unsafe drug supply causing record-breaking fatalities

The latest report from the B.C. Coroners Service shows 162 people died of illicit and fentanyl-related overdoses last month in B.C.

That amounts to five fatal overdoses every day, and is more than double the number from one year ago.

Vernon has recorded 21 fatal overdoses this year, compared to 15 all of last year, while Kelowna had 45 in 2020, after 33 in 2019.

Interior Health has registered 216 drug toxicity deaths this year, compared to 138 last year, with 1,386 in B.C. this year, and 982 last year.

Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said the coroners service has detected a sustained rise in drug toxicity deaths since the start of the pandemic in March.

“This is the fifth month this year with more than 160 suspected illicit drug deaths reported to the BC Coroners Service and more than double the number of people who died as a result of a toxic drug supply in October 2019,” said Lapointe.

“We are continuing to see record-breaking numbers of people dying in B.C. due to an unsafe drug supply in our province, and it’s taking a toll on families and communities in this dual health emergency,” Lapointe added. “Challenges during COVID-19, such as access to key harm-reduction services and the toxic drug supply, including the extreme concentration of illicit fentanyl, are resulting in continuing significant and tragic loss of life across the province. Our hearts go out to those grieving the loss of family members, friends and colleagues.”

The province has now recorded eight consecutive months with over 100 illicit drug toxicity deaths.

(With files from The Canadian Press)