Overdose Deaths Slowing, But No End To Crisis

Feb 7, 2019 | 10:50 AM

Officials say far too many people are dying from illicit drug overdoses in BC, but new programs have helped slow down the numbers.

The BC Coroner’s Service says there was a record 1,489 of those deaths in 2018, slightly more than the previous year.

“Males age 30 to 59 are most at risk. Most of those who die are dying in private residences, and they using alone,” says Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe.

The toxic substance fentanyl was detected in 85% of the deaths.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry (pictured) says the fact the numbers have levelled off show programs like providing Naloxone kits to reverse overdoses, are making a difference.

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“We do have some data to support that. We’ve looked at some modelling of what might have happened had we not put things in place, and it’s hard to believe, but it would have been even more horrific,” Henry told a news conference.

Henry says BC is in no way near the end of the crisis.

“It continues to affect families and communities across the province. Last year my office published a paper looking at a measure called life expectancy at birth, and for the first time in 30 years, we have seen a decrease in this province, and that’s largely because of this preventable overdose crisis.”

Kelowna was one community that saw a decrease from 75 overdose deaths in 2017 to 55 last year.

Vernon had 24 fatal cases, one more than in 2017.

Dr. Evan Wood, executive director with the BC Centre on Substance Use, recommends a number of solutions, including improved addiction training to support prevention and treatment. He also points to the need for policy changes to end prohibition, which creates the circumstances for the fentanyl market and continues to stigmatize substance use.

“This latest report confirms what those on the frontline already know all too well: this crisis is not slowing down,” said Wood. “If we’re going to stop overdoses from happening, we urgently need to end the harms caused by prohibition while also implementing upstream responses that address the serious health and social consequences of untreated addiction.”

by Corey Fischer