The latest data from the BC Coroners Service says five people a day are losing their lives to illicit drug overdoses.
The Coroners Service has published updated reports on illicit drug toxicity deaths and fentanyl-detected drug deaths to Oct. 31. In October, there were 162 illicit drug toxicity deaths reported.
“This is the fifth month this year with more than 160 suspected illicit drug deaths reported to the BC Coroners Service and more than double the number of people who died as a result of a toxic drug supply in October 2019,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “We are continuing to see record-breaking numbers of people dying in B.C. due to an unsafe drug supply in our province, and it’s taking a toll on families and communities in this dual health emergency. 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 162 deaths in October 2020 represents a 116 per cent increase since October 2019. The BC Coroners Service has detected a sustained increase of illicit drug toxicity deaths since March. The province has recorded eight consecutive months with more than 100 illicit drug toxicity deaths.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating effect on the overdose crisis in B.C.,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. “Exacerbating this is the highly toxic drug supply that exists in our communities right now. This latest report shows the tragic impact this crisis is having on British Columbians, and this is a problem for all of us. Now more than ever, we must remove the stigma of drug use and remove the shame people feel, which keeps them from seeking help or telling friends and family.”
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) in April to October, compared with previous months.
There have been 1,386 illicit drug deaths to date in 2020 in B.C. The number of deaths in each health authority is at or near the highest monthly total ever recorded. Each one of these deaths has a significant impact on loved ones, family members and communities.