Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK

Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death in British Columbia for people aged 10 to 59, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural disease combined.

There continues to be record numbers of deaths provincewide as, for the 13th consecutive month, more than 190 British Columbians lost their lives in July to the toxic, unregulated drug supply, according to BC government media release issued today, Aug. 29.

According to preliminary data, between January and July 2023, at least 1,455 deaths were attributed to toxic drugs, the largest number ever reported by the BC Coroners Service in the first seven months of a calendar year. Fifty-nine of those deaths were in Kelowna, 56 were in Kamloops, 27 were in Vernon and 13 were in Penticton. 

“I am saddened to once again report that British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis shows no signs of abating,” chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a media release. “The unregulated illicit market is highly unpredictable and continues to put thousands of lives at risk each month.”

Lapointe said that despite recommendations for an urgent expansion of a safer drug supply, still very few people have access to a stable, lower-risk alternative.

People who use drugs in communities throughout BC face an extreme risk of significant injury or death with the provincewide death rate standing at 46.2 per 100,000 residents. The unregulated drug deaths in July 2023 equate to around 6.4 deaths per day. In 2023, 69% of those dying were aged 30 to 59, and 77% were male.

Death rates vary throughout the province. With Kelowna and Vernon making up 4% of the total provincial deaths respectively, Vernon making up 2% and Penticton 1%. 

In a public statement released in July, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Jennifer Whiteside, said that “historic investments” are being used to expand treatment options and to increase access to medication-assisted treatment, and community counselling services throughout B.C.

“I am committed to building a future where these tragedies are prevented,” she said. “Our government stands strong in our determination to create a safer, healthier British Columbia for all as we remember those who were taken from us too soon. We remain dedicated to using every tool available to us to turn the tide in this crisis.”

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News from © iNFOnews, 2023