B.C. is continuing a disturbing trend of over 100 illicit drug overdose deaths last month, counting a total of 175 deaths in July alone.
The latest report from the BC Coroners Service report states that a total of 175 people died of drug overdose in July 2020, the same number of deaths as June 2020.
The number of deaths in July represents a 136 per cent increase in overdose deaths compared to the same time period in 2019.
“What the latest numbers show us is that the overdose crisis has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented tragedy of death and loss to families in our province continues,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry on Tuesday.
“The toxicity of drug supply is extreme, and I implore anyone who may be using drugs to not do it alone. For friends and family members who are concerned about loved ones, reach out and connect with them and let them know they are not alone.”
See also: B.C. paramedics respond to over 2,700 overdoses in July, as province ramps up supports
Post-mortem toxicology testing data published in this report suggest an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations (exceeding 50 micrograms per litre) in April, May, June and July 2020 compared with previous months.
B.C. has now recorded five consecutive months with over 100 people dying from drug overdose. So far this year, 909 people have lost their lives to drugs.
Most recent post-mortem toxicology testing data suggests an increase in the number of cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations—exceeding 50 micrograms per litre—in April, May, June and July 2020 compared with previous months.
Victoria, once again, had the third highest number of overdose deaths in the province, after Vancouver and Surrey.
84 people in Victoria have lost their lives to drugs in the first seven months of 2020—17 of whom died in July. To put this into perspective, 61 people overdosed on drugs in all of 2019 in the city.
According to chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, stigma and shame continues to surround those who use substances, which causes many to turn inwards and use drugs alone.
That, combined with an increase in the toxicity of street drugs now available, has led to a spike in fatalities.
“As the risks for those purchasing from the illicit market are extreme, we continue to encourage clinicians to support those at risk of overdose by prescribing safe supply,” said Lapointe in a statement.
“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.”
Indigenous people continue to be disproportionately impacted by the overdose crisis. First Nations people represent 3.4 per cent of the province’s population, yet accounted for 16 per cent of all illicit drug deaths in B.C. from January to May 2020.
Once again, Dr. Bonnie Henry called for the decriminalization of individual possession of drugs.
No deaths were recorded at supervised consumption sites in B.C.
