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The toxic illicit drug supply in the Okanagan and Similkameen was responsible for 26 deaths in July, according to data released by the B.C. Coroners Service today, one of the deadliest months so far this year.

July was the deadliest month from August 2021 to August 2022 for those in the Okanagan’s health service delivery area, which includes the Okanagan and Similkameen, with 26 deaths reported. The Okanagan health service area is also seeing the highest rates of deaths this year so far since data collection began in 2012, with 47 deaths per 100,000 people.

So far this year, Kamloops has seen 50 overdose deaths, 51 people of died in Kelowna and in Vernon 27 people have died. In the Okanagan overall, 113 deaths were recorded and 83 were reported so far in the Thompson Cariboo region.

READ MORE: B.C. toxic drug deaths double since public health emergency declared in 2016: coroner

Provincewide the total number of overdose deaths in July declined slightly, by 4%, when compared to July 2021, but saw a 31% increase compared to June, 2022, according to the latest data from the B.C. Coroners Service. 

A total of 192 overdose deaths were reported in July, with 199 recorded in July 2021 and 147 reported in June 2022.

READ MORE: By telling her story, this Kelowna mom is reducing the stigma caused by drug overdose deaths

B.C. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson says the street drug supply has grown increasingly toxic, with the concentration of fentanyl growing from about four to eight per cent in early 2020 to 23 per cent as of July this year.

She says the province is pushing to expand harm reduction services, including safe supply and overdose prevention sites, across the province and is leading the country on decriminalization of people who use drugs.

"There is more to do. I am committed to continuing to expand and evolve our government's response to this public-health emergency to turn the tide and save lives," Malcolmson said in a statement.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said families and communities across the province are suffering because of these sudden and tragic deaths of their loved ones.

READ MORE: Kamloops man charged in drug trafficking investigation dead

"Whether they are chronically substance-dependent or using only occasionally, all of those who access the illicit drug market are vulnerable to serious harms."

In 2022, 84% of overdose deaths in B.C. occurred inside, with 57% occurring in private residences and 27% occurring in other inside residences including social and supportive housing, SROs, shelters, and hotels. Fifteen percent of the drug deaths occurred outside in vehicles, on sidewalks and streets, and in parks.

Preliminary data in 2022 found fentanyl, or drugs similar to the substance, had been detected in 82% of all overdose deaths in B.C. In 2021, fentanyl or similar drugs had been detected in 86% of deaths.

The province said no deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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