Merritt sees four illicit drug deaths through first four months of 2023
Four people have died from unregulated drugs in Merritt through the first four months of 2023, with 814 lives lost throughout the province.
Category: Overdose
Nearly 600 toxic drug deaths in first quarter of 2023
As B.C.’s toxic drug crisis drags on, the latest report from the BC Coroners Service shows that illicit drugs claimed the lives of nearly 600 people in the first three months of 2023, including 177 newly reported lives lost in February, followed by 197 in March.
Toxic drug deaths top 200 for eighth time in 16 months
The province has released its latest preliminary toxic drugs deaths report, which showed that at least 211 individuals los their lives to B.C.’s toxic drug supply in January.
2022 records second most toxic drug deaths in B.C. history
In 2022, British Columbia saw its second deadliest year on record since the start of the province’s drug toxicity public health emergency in April 2016.
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act exemption takes effect
As of January 31, 2023, the possession of some illicit drugs has been decriminalized by a first-in-the-nation three year trial exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Discussing the ‘Controlled Drugs and Substances Act’
The Merritt RCMP currently respond to calls of public drug use on an almost daily basis, but users rarely see charges for possession alone, Acting Detachment Commander Sgt. Josh Roda tells the Herald.
Province addresses Mayor Goetz’s decriminalization comments
The provincial government is looking to reassure British Columbians of their decision to apply for an exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amid some public backlash.
Mayor Goetz concerned about new B.C. drug exemptions
Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz has some concerns over the province’s new exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which ensures individuals found with limited amounts of certain illegal drugs won’t face criminal charges for their possession.
Merrittonian wins award for youth support work
After suffering from addiction and being taken away from her family, Cherokee Bent turned a new leaf, dedicating her time and energy to help others that were in similar situations as her.
B.C. report shows relationship between homelessness deaths and toxic drug overdose
Preliminary reporting from the BC Coroners Service shows in 2021, 93% of all accidental deaths among people experiencing homelessness were identified as being caused by the illicit drug supply.
Harm reduction convention at the Civc Centre
Local organizations such as Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society (SCHSS) are looking to educate people to prevent any cases of toxic drug use in the community.
Province releases July drug toxicity report
The province is currently going through another public health emergency in the toxic drug crisis, which has again resulted in a record high number of deaths for the seventh straight calendar month.
New youth social service centre in Kamloops announced
Foundry Kamloops will serve as another resource for youth in Kamloops and surrounding areas, like Merritt, to address both mental health and substance issues.
Bass Coast promotes safer festival experience
Bass Coast’s harm reduction program has been steadily growing year by year, giving attendees invaluable service ranging from a providing safe spaces to education of safe sex and drug use.
Purdue Canada pays $150 million in settlement
A major opioid manufacturer and pharmaceutical company has agreed to a landmark settlement in Canada. $150 million was paid out by Purdue Canada thanks to a B.C. led initiative to recover healthcare costs related to the ongoing opioid crisis and marketing of opioid-based pain medications.
Interior Health launches text-alert program
The toxic drug epidemic has been a pressing issue across the province of BC. In addressing this emergency, Interior Health announced the launch of a text alert service. The information sent through the service will aid in the prevention of toxic overdose incidents.
Province decriminalizes drug possession
The province of British Columbia has received the first ever exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, ensuring adults are not subject to criminal charges for the possession of certain illegal drugs for personal use for three years, starting January 31, 2023.
BC records all time high toxic drug deaths 18 months in a row
Over 150 British Columbians lost their lives to toxic drugs for the 18th consecutive month, according to the new preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service.
