A record 170 people died of a drug overdose in B.C. in the month of May, according to new data from the BC Coroners Service.
The May 2020 mark surpasses the previous record of 161 overdose deaths reported in December 2016. It is also greater than the number of people who have died of COVID-19 (167) since the pandemic began.
It was also the first time the province saw three straight months with deaths into the triple digits since the end of 2018. More than 82 per cent of overdose deaths in May involved fentanyl.
“It is both sad and deeply frustrating to see the number of illicit drug deaths reach a new high in B.C. four years after the declaration of a public health emergency,” said chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe, who noted an increasing concentration of fentanyl in street drugs.
“Despite the many collective efforts directed at this crisis, the toxic drug supply continues to take the lives of our family members, friends and colleagues.”
Four of those deaths were in Kamloops, which has now recorded 22 deaths this year, just five behind last year’s total of 27. Provincewide, 70 per cent of people who died were between the age of 19 and 49, while men accounted for 80 per cent of deaths this year.
“We still know that illicit drug toxicity death rates in B.C. remain the highest for any jurisdiction in Canada, and every region in B.C. has been impacted,” Lapointe added.
“That said, were it not for the dedicated efforts taken to date, the death toll would be higher. We must continue to build on further access to safe supply in B.C. and for a regulated, evidence-based, supportive treatment and recovery system as important pillars in preventing future deaths.”
To date, B.C. has recorded 554 overdose deaths, more than that were recorded at this time last year, but fewer than what was seen in 2017 and 2018.
“These tragic deaths are a potent reminder that we must persevere with the many interventions in place and continue in our efforts to reduce harm and stigma, stop overdoses and care for people with addiction,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer.
“The overdose crisis is taking a toll on families and communities across this province, and we know the second public health emergency of COVID-19 is adding additional challenges. There is no simple solution, but we remain committed to doing all we can to support people who use drugs, as well as their families, friends and loved ones.”
B.C. paramedics respond to an average of 2,000 overdose calls each. Officials say while there have been no significant changes in that overdose call volumes this year, there was a slight increase in May, with just over 2,300 calls.
Former B.C. Health Minister Terry Lake says the spike in number of overdose deaths this year, after a gradual decline in 2019, breaks his heart.
Nearly 4,500 people have fatally overdosed on fentanyl in B.C. since 2016, which is when Lake declared a public health emergency because of the opioid crisis four years ago in 2016.
Sad and frustrated today to share this update – new monthly high for illicit drug toxicity deaths in B.C. at 170. Higher toxicity in post-mortem testing. https://t.co/8Q9apsSB9a @bccoroners #bcpoli #media #cdnpoli #illlicitdrug #overdose
— Andy Watson (@AndyWatsonBC) June 11, 2020
