A report from the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) says that in the first half of 2024, at least 1,158 have died from the ongoing toxic drug crisis in BC.
In May and June respectively, 181 and 185 died of toxic drug use in the province.
This brings the death toll up to 14,948 since the public health emergency was announced in April 2016.
The BCCS says that although this number is lower than the past three years at the halfway point of the year, around six people are still dying every day in BC.
“People are continuing to lose their loved ones in communities across B.C. at a tragic rate,” said John McNamee, Acting Chief Coroner.
“Even as the figures reflect a 9% decrease in the number of deaths reported to the coroners service during the first six months of this year from 2023, the number of lives lost is still significant.”
Data shows that in May and June, the number of deaths were most significant for those between 30 and 49-years-old and men make up 72% of the reported deaths in all of 2024.
By municipality, Greater Victoria has the third highest death rate, just behind Vancouver and Surrey, with 83 deaths so far this year.
Within Island Health’s jurisdiction, there have been 245 reported toxic drug deaths in 2024.
The BCCS says that fentanyl continues to be the driver of unregulated drug-toxicity deaths, as it was detected in 82% of post-mortem toxicological tests conducted so far in 2024.
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Unregulated drug toxicity continues to be the leading cause of death in BC for those age 10 to 59, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural diseases combined.
Following the latest numbers being released by the BCCS, Jennifer Whiteside, BC’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions released a statement on the number of toxic drug deaths.
“Today, we acknowledge with deep sadness the latest report from the BC Coroners Service, which reveals the tragic loss of 181 and 185 people in British Columbia this May and June due to toxic-drug poisoning,” said Whiteside.
“Every single one of these people was irreplaceable to their loved ones, and our words fall short of bringing comfort to those who are grieving and enduring a heartbreaking loss.”
She added that these latest numbers reinforce the urgent need to connect people to care and treatment that forks for them.
“Every single one of these deaths is a stark reminder that there is more work to do. There is no one solution that will end this crisis,” said Whiteside.
“I believe that if we continue to work together to intervene early, keep people safe from toxic drugs, connect people to treatment and care, and support ongoing wellness and recovery, we can continue to save lives.”
