Accidental drug overdoses still climbing in B.C. in 2016: Coroner

Even though there was a small dip seen in July, the number of deaths from illicit drug overdoses still remains significantly higher compared to previous years, according to new statistics from the B.C. Coroners Service.

So far in 2016, the total number of drug overdose deaths was 433, which is an increase of almost 74 per cent in comparison to the same seven-month time frame in 2015.

The total number of overdose deaths in July was 52, which was down from the 61 deaths in June. But the coroners’ statistics show that in the first six months of 2016, 62 per cent of the overdose deaths involved fentanyl and that 96 per cent of the cases, other illicit drugs were also found in the fentanyl. In particular, cocaine being the most popular additive.

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The statistics also show that Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria were the top three cities for illicit drug overdoses between 2007-2016. Year-to-date, Vancouver recorded 78, Surrey 55 and Victoria 34 deaths, respectively.

In April, the significant increase in drug-related overdoses and deaths in B.C. prompted Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall to declare a public health emergency, which was the first time the PHO has served notice under the Public Health Act to exercise emergency powers.

British Columbia was the first province to take this kind of action in response to a public health crisis from drug overdoses. But so far, the PHO’s declaration of a public-health emergency doesn’t appear to have slowed the number of overdose deaths, according to B.C. Health Minister Terry Lake.

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Fentanyl overdoses have been steadily increasing in B.C. over the past five years.

To prevent more deaths from overdosing, the BC Centre for Disease Control has distributed kits containing the opioid antidote naloxone.

Health Canada removed the prescription status on naloxone in March to improve accessibility.

The kits are available at over 100 establishments across the province and more than 1,200 kits have already been used to reverse overdoses.

Due to the continuing high numbers and the danger posed by fentanyl, the BC Coroners Service would like to remind those using illicit drugs to exercise extreme caution.