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By Adam Berls

toxic drug crisis

Toxic drug deaths continue to rise in Prince George

Dec 1, 2022 | 4:25 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The number of illicit drug deaths continues to rise in Prince George. In October, four people died as a result of toxic drugs and this is part of a far larger trend province wide.

Prince George is on track to set a record this year in the number of deaths caused by illicit drugs. So far, 60 people in our community have died as a result of toxic drugs this year.

The introduction of more dangerous and lethal drugs in the system creates a higher risk for drug users, but also makes it harder for first responders to treat an overdose.

179 people in BC died while using illicit drugs in October, and there are calls to expand the safe supply program, with Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau saying that the BC government is not doing enough to slow the number of deaths and is calling on Premier David Eby to introduce widely accessible safe supply, which is a program that provides a legal and regulated supply of drugs.

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