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Across BC, 170 people died as a result of illicit drug toxicity in May.
May sees record high drug overdose deaths in BC
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 3:52 PDT, Thu June 11, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
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BC marked its highest-ever monthly total of illicit drug deaths in May.
Last month 170 people died as a result of illicit drug toxicity, according to a report from the BC Coroners Service. The second-highest monthly total was 161, reported in December 2016.
“The impact of this tremendous loss is felt in communities and families in every corner of our province and in deeply profound ways,” says Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy.
The all-time high comes four years after the declaration of a public health emergency. BC has recorded three consecutive months with over 100 illicit drug overdose deaths, and 554 to date in 2020.
Seventy per cent of deaths this year were individuals aged 19 to 49, and 80 per cent were male. No deaths were reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites.
Darcy notes that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the overdose rate was coming down in BC as a result of collective efforts. But the pressure of another public health emergency has resulted in closed borders and drugs that are more toxic than ever—and a higher rate of unemployment, social isolation, declining mental health, and increased substance use.
Next week the province is launching a 24/7 helpline that will provide live support to doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners who treat patients with opioid use disorder.
Post-mortem toxicology testing data also published in the May report show an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations in April and May compared with previous months.
“If you use illicit drugs, those drugs are incredibly toxic and even more poisoned than before,” says Darcy. “I am asking each of you to have a plan. Buddy up so you’re not using poisoned drugs alone. Use the Lifeguard app—it will signal for help if you need it. Continue to visit OPS and supervised consumption services sites. They are open and are essential services in BC.”
She also urges people to carry naloxone—which can be picked up for free at any pharmacy and help those overdosing right away.
“Let’s talk about how to stay safe. Let’s look out for one another. Let’s take care of each other. Let’s come together as a province to save lives from overdose.”
To read the illicit drug overdose death report, click here.
To learn more about the Lifeguard app, click here.
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