British Columbian drug users are continuing to die in record numbers, with April alone showing a nearly 50% increase in overdose deaths from the same time a year ago..Toxic illicit drugs continue to take B.C. lives at a shocking rate. At least 176 British Columbians died from toxic drug poisoning in April, according to the BC Coroners Service. That represent almost six overdose deaths per day. The number of deaths set an odious record for April, and signifies a 43% jump from April 2020. .April also marks the 14th straight month where more than 100 British Columbians died from suspected drug overdoses, and rockets the provincial rate of deaths for 2021 to 39.3 per 100,000 residents..That announcement coincided with one from the Campbell River RCMP who disclosed Tuesday a 14-year-old boy died Saturday of a suspected drug overdose. That tragic news is similar to an incident about six weeks ago when a 12-year-old Victoria girl died as the result of an overdose..The total number of drug-related deaths in 2021 so far is 680..Fentanyl was detected in 86% of deaths this year, while carfentanil, a decidedly more potent version of fentanyl, was found in 62 samples in 2021 — about the same number were detected in all of 2020. .“Once again, we’re reminded that the scale of this public health emergency is truly unprecedented,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, who noted the latest numbers illuminate the toxicity of the illicit drug supply in Canada’s westernmost province..“We know that substance use disorder is a complex health issue, and those experiencing it need meaningful and compassionate services and supports. Far too often, we hear from families who have lost a loved one that no help was available despite desperate searches over months or years. It is critical harm reduction services, including (a) safe supply, are accessible where and when people need them, and that recovery services are evidence-based and accountable.” .The Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities accounted for the lion’s share of overdoses at 61%..Other findings in the report include: .• The number of illicit drug toxicity deaths in April 2021 was about 5.9 deaths per day..• Males accounted for 79% of deaths in 2021..• In 2021, 70% of those dying were aged 30 to 59..• The proportion of deaths of those 50 years of age and older has steadily increased over the past six years. In 2021, 39% of deaths have been 50 years or over..• No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites..Mike D’Amour is the British Columbia Bureau Chief for the Western Standard..,.mdamour@westernstandardonline.com
