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By Sam Bennison

Toxic drug crisis

Death toll rises as the toxic drug crisis continues

Jan 24, 2024 | 1:16 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— The B.C. Coroner’s service preliminary report shows that 95 lives were lost in the Prince George Health Area due to overdoses in 2023, marking the highest amount of toxic drug deaths in the region since the emergency was declared in April 2016. 89 people died in Prince George proper.

“Tragically, toxic, illicit drugs are continuing to cause unprecedented numbers of deaths across our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner. “This crisis, driven primarily by unregulated fentanyl, has cost our province dearly in the loss of much-loved and valued members of our communities. We cannot bring our deceased loved ones back, but we can and must do much more to protect the lives of tens of thousands of our family members, friends and colleagues still at risk.”

Across the province unregulated drugs claimed the lives of 2,511 people in British Columbia equating to an average of 6.9 deaths per day. The number of deaths is 5% higher than the previous high of 2,383 deaths recorded a year earlier in 2022.

Men between 30 and 59 continue to be the most at risk. The Coroners Services notes that while rates of death increased in most age groups, there were declines in rates among persons aged 19-29 and those under 19 years.

Illicit Fentanyl and it’s analogues continue to be the leading cause of overdoses, appearing in more than 85% of test results conducted in 2023.

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Northern Health recommends taking these precautions if you plan on using substances:

• Get overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone.
• Try not to use alone. Make a plan and tell a buddy who can call for help if needed.
• If you plan to use alone, use the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website.
• Know your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less.
• When possible, avoid mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol.
• Test a small amount first, start low and go slow.
• Use in an Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) if possible. (see Prince George locations listed below)
• Get your drugs checked at Two Doors Down. (Hours: 4 days a week, 1 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays)
• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.

Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death in British Columbia for persons aged 10 to 59, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, accidents and natural disease combined. The lives of at least 13,794 British Columbians have been lost to unregulated drugs since the start of the public-health emergency.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com