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In October, 162 people in BC lost their lives due to illicit drug overdoses.
Toxic drugs claimed 162 lives in BC last month
Published 3:29 PST, Wed November 25, 2020
Last Updated: 2:20 PST, Mon December 14, 2020
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More than five people a day died of an illicit drug overdose last month in BC, according to new reports from the BC Coroners Service.
"We are continuing to see record-breaking numbers of people dying in BC due to an unsafe drug supply in our province, and it's taking a toll on families and communities in this dual health emergency,” said chief coroner Lisa Lapointe. “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.
“We encourage clinicians to support those at risk of overdose by prescribing safe supply and reducing the numbers of lives lost to toxic substances. We also continue to advocate for an accessible, evidence-based and accountable treatment and recovery system for anyone experiencing problematic substance use who is seeking this medical assistance."
The number of people who died from illicit drug toxicity in October 2020 (162) represents a 116 per cent increase over the number of deaths in October 2019 (75). The BC Coroners Service has detected a sustained increase of illicit drug toxicity deaths since March 2020. The province has now recorded eight consecutive months with over 100 illicit drug toxicity deaths.
Post-mortem toxicology testing data published in this report again suggest an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations (exceeding 50 micrograms per litre) from April to October 2020, compared with previous months.
There have been 1,386 illicit drug deaths to date in 2020 in British Columbia. The number of deaths in each health authority is at or near the highest monthly total ever recorded, including 13 in Richmond so far this year (matching the 2019 total).
To read the illicit drug overdose death report, click here.
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