13 lives lost in northern B.C. to overdoses in July

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“I am saddened to once again report that British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis shows no signs of abating,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “We are continuing to experience record numbers of deaths provincewide because of the toxic drug supply. The unregulated illicit market is highly unpredictable and continues to put thousands of lives at risk each month. Despite recommendations for the urgent expansion of a safer drug supply, very few have access to a stable, lower-risk alternative.”

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Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in July:

“Today’s release of the report on drug toxicity deaths for the month of July 2023 by the BC Coroners Service is a stark reminder that the ongoing toxic-drug crisis continues to have a devastating impact on communities across our province. We hold in our hearts the memories of the 198 people lost in July in British Columbia – not as mere statistics, but as individuals who deeply matter to their loved ones and communities.”

Additional key preliminary findings are below. Data is subject to change as additional toxicology results are received:

* The 198 suspected unregulated drug deaths represent a 5% decrease from the number of deaths in July 2022 (208), and a 4% increase over the number of deaths in June 2023 (191).

* The number of unregulated drug deaths in July 2023 equates to about 6.4 deaths per day.

* In 2023, 69% of those dying were aged 30 to 59, and 77% were male.

* By health authority, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths are in Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Authorities (423 and 397 deaths, respectively), making up 56% of all such deaths to date during 2023.

* There is no evidence that prescribed safer supply is contributing to unregulated drug deaths.

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Twitter: @GFry_CKPG

Email: Greg.Fry@Pattisonmedia.com