May 2020 has been recorded as the deadliest month ever for illicit drug overdose deaths in the history of British Columbia.
A new report from the BC Coroners Service reveals that 171 people died from overdosing last month, surpassing the previous monthly record of 161 deaths reported back in December 2016.
“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 Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner.
“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. 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.”
B.C. has now recorded three consecutive months with over 100 people dying from drug overdose. So far this year, 554 people have lost their lives to drugs.
Toxicology testing data from this recent report suggests that there has been a spike in the number of deaths that have an extreme concentration of fentanyl in April and May, compared to previous months.
Fentanyl and analogues have been detected in 82.8 per cent of all suspected illicit drug overdose deaths since 2016, followed by cocaine detected in 50 per cent of all such cases.
Victoria remains one of the top three regions most affected by this crisis, losing 49 people to drugs so far this year, and 21 in May alone. The overdose epidemic in B.C. has claimed 98 lives in the Island Health region in 2020.
According to a statement from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Judy Darcy, closed borders leading to an unusually toxic supply of illegal drugs are partly to blame for this spike in deaths.
“Unemployment, social isolation, declining mental health and increased alcohol and substance use are also the reality for so many right now,” writes Darcy.
Before March, deaths related to drug overdose were on the decline in B.C. as the Coroners Service report in February showed a 36 per cent reduction in the number of people who died by overdose in 2019 compared to 2018.
Provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry has long advocated for the establishment of harm-reduction measures like safe consumption sites, and naloxone training and availability.
“We’re dealing with addiction. And addiction is an illness, a health condition. We are in no way out of this crisis yet,” said Dr. Henry in a statement back in February.
The province is working on strategies support people dealing with both the opioid overdose and COVID-19 crises.
A safe supply of drugs are available to people from homeless encampments who are now being sheltered at hotels and emergency shelter sites secured by BC Housing.
Naloxone kits are also available for free at any pharmacy, according to Minister Darcy.
