Local toxic drug deaths on the rise

Vernon saw a significant increase in lives lost to illicit toxic substances in February.

Preliminary data from B.C. Coroner’s Service report stated the local death toll rose to six as of the end of February, up from just one death reported in the first month of the year.

Elsewhere in the region, Kelowna’s suspected drug death toll climbed from eight to 13, while the total lives lost in Kamloops rose by nine to 20.

The local lives lost were part of 16 suspected drug deaths in the Okanagan, 31 in the Interior, and 177 in all of B.C. in February.

As of the end of February, there had been 27 drug deaths recorded in the Okanagan, 57 in the Interior, and 377 in all of B.C.

Though the deaths in February were down on a monthly and yearly basis, they still equated to roughly 6.1 per day.

“February’s report from the BC Coroners Service marks the loss of 177 people to toxic drugs – a testament to the relentless challenges we face in this crisis. Behind each number was a person who loved and was loved, whose life was unfairly cut short,” Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said.

“To the families and friends who have faced the unimaginable, and to the communities that have been pierced time and again by these tragedies, know that your grief is seen and shared. I have been moved by the stories and struggles I’ve heard, by the love and the pain in your voices. As we approach the eighth anniversary of this public-health emergency, we are reminded that our commitment to each person’s right to life and safety remains as firm as ever.”

Whiteside added the province had committed $215-million in Budget 2024 to “strengthen our system of care from top to bottom” and “help us build a path to recovery” that’s accessible to all people, though did not provide any specifics on projects planned for that funding.

The Coroner’s Service noted the demographic trends continue to be true in 2024, with 70 per cent of people who have died this year being between the age of 30 and 59, and 72 per cent of them being male.

Of the deaths recorded so far in 2024, 299, or 79 per cent, involved fentanyl.

So far this year, 86 per cent of unregulated drug deaths occurred inside a residence, including 48 per cent in a private residence and 38 per cent inside residences including supporting and social housing, hotels, and shelters.

The Coroner’s Service stated there has still only been one death recorded at an overdose prevention site. The report added there was no indication of prescribed safer supply contributing to deaths, noting hydromorphone was detected in just three per cent fo all deaths recorded in 2023 and ’24.