Deaths from illicit drug usage in Northern B.C. remains same from last year for month of January

Mar 20, 2019 | 3:44 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A new B-C Coroner’s Report has shown a 31 percent decreased in deaths from illicit drug overdoses in the month of January from 2018 to 2019.

Nearly every regional health authority in the province saw a significant decrease except for the Northern Health authority, where the number of deaths increased.

The Northern Health authority reported one more death this year in January than last year. However, taking data from a single month can make it hard to get a clear picture. The consistency of each batch of drugs varies, muddying the waters.

The Prince George Needle exchange is also home to an overdose prevention site. The facility provides on-site monitoring for people who are at risk of overdosing. In 2018 zero people died at these types of facilities which according to Northern Health, means they are doing their jobs.