According to data released by the BC Coroners Service, more than 1,000 people across the province died of illicit drug toxicity during the first half of the year.
At least 1,011 overdose deaths were recorded between January 2021 and June 2021, information that comes as a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid crisis on this International Overdose Awareness Day.
“The deaths of more than 1,000 British Columbians in the first six months of 2021 is a tragic reminder that the toxic illicit drug supply remains a significant ongoing threat to public health and safety in communities throughout our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, Chief Coroner, BC Coroners Service.
“The data released today highlights the immensity of this public health emergency and the need for a wide-scale response. This includes removing barriers to safe supply, ensuring timely access to evidence-based affordable treatment, and providing those experiencing problematic substance use with compassionate and viable options to reduce risks and save lives.”
With 159 deaths recorded in June, BC marked nine consecutive months in which more than 150 British Columbians were lost to illicit drug toxicity. The total deaths for the first six months of 2021 are the highest recorded in the first six months of a calendar year, making drug toxicity the leading cause of unnatural death in BC for those aged 19 to 39. It is second in terms of reducing total potential years of life.
Within BC, fentanyl and carfentanil is showing up increasingly in toxicology testing. Post-mortem testing indicates that fentanyl is the substance most often involved in drug toxicity deaths, attributing to 85% in the first half of 2021.
“On International Overdose Awareness Day, and every day, we remember loved ones lost to this terrible poisoned drug crisis and send strength to the many people grieving,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“People in B.C. have been caught at the intersection of two public health emergencies: the COVID-19 pandemic and the drug poisoning crisis. To commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day and in memory of those we have lost, purple lights will glow at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria – an initiative led by Moms Stop the Harm, as part of their annual purple ribbon campaign. As well, BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre will glow purple to further commemorate this important day,” Malcolmson continued.
“I’m blown away by the heroic work of people on the frontlines of the drug poisoning crisis, saving lives under incredibly difficult conditions. Yet tragically, we’re still losing lives. For people who use drugs, or who care about someone who does, it’s vital to stay safer in this public health emergency.”
Malcolmson also made mention of the fact that First Nations people continue to be disproportionately affected by the crisis, with indigenous individuals dying at 5.3 times the rate of other BC residents.
Men are also at a higher risk of death due to illicit drug toxicity, with 80% of those who died of suspected drug toxicity in 2021 being male.
The highest number of illicit drug toxicity deaths were recorded in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions, 342 and 283, respectively. This makes up 62% of all such deaths during this period.
Highest rates of death were in Vancouver Coastal Health, with 46 deaths per 100,000 individuals. Close behind was the Northern Health region, with 45 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
Overall, the rate of death in BC due to drug toxicity is 39 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
“Poisoned drugs are circulating,” Malcolmson continued.
“As people are returning to school, family and friends are gathering more often, so it is vitally important to use safer drug practices. Whether you use frequently or infrequently, there is high risk of drug toxicity poisoning and death. Stay safer and call 911 for help, buddy up, start with a small amount and go slow, get your drugs checked, carry naloxone, and download the Lifeguard app. More people are dying from inhaling illicit drugs than injecting, so please be careful,” said Malcolmson.
“We are working hard to separate people from the poisoned drug supply and build more treatment beds and recovery options. Our government has been creating new drug policy in Canada that will save lives by supporting access to prescribed safer supply and connecting people to health-care services, and by moving forward on decriminalization of people who use drugs. We will do everything we can to turn this drug poisoning crisis around.”
