As the new year begins, so too does the ongoing toxic drug crisis which has killed over 14,024 since a public health emergency was initiated in 2016.
In January 2024, the Province says that at least 198 died of toxic drug use. This equates to around 6.4 deaths per day.
“As the BC Coroners Service report for January casts a spotlight on the tragic loss of 198 individuals to toxic drugs, my deepest sympathies go out to everyone grieving,” said Jennifer Whiteside, BC’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Each person lost had their own story, their own hopes and dreams, and a circle of loved ones. They were neighbours, parents, siblings and friends, and their passing creates ripples of grief throughout our communities.”
According to the BC Coroners Service, around 70% of those who died were between 30 and 59-years-old and around three quarters of them were men.
The numbers of deaths are slightly down when compared to the last few months. The last time BC saw a month with less than 200 deaths was September of last year.
On Vancouver Island, 39 people died of the toxic drug supply this January, with nine of those deaths occurring in Greater Victoria.
“We continue to take important steps toward these goals,” Whiteside explained.
The BC government’s Budget 2024 has committed $117 million for mental-health and substance-use services, aiming to build on the momentum of last year’s funding of $1 billion over three years.
“These ongoing initiatives to protect people from the risks of illicit drugs includes supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services and prescribed alternatives to the unpredictable toxic-drug supply, and access to life-saving naloxone,” said Whiteside.
“These are part of our safety net to keep people alive so that they can be connected to care when they’re ready.”
Currently, the Province is without a full-time Chief Coroner, who also usually provides a statement on the monthly toxic drug death update.
However, following Lisa Lapointe’s departure from the position of chief coroner on February 18th, no one has been appointed to permanently fill the position.
For the time being, John McNamee has been made the interim Chief Coroner, but has not released a statement regarding the toxic drug deaths since taking the role.
